Dhaka: In a dramatic turn of events, thousands of protesters stormed the Prime Minister’s residence in Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital, prompting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee the city. The escalating violence has spiraled out of control, leading to significant political upheaval.
Prime Minister Resigns, Army Assures Stability
In a statement to Reuters, Bangladesh Army Chief General Wakar-uz-Zaman confirmed that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned. He assured the public that an interim government would take over, emphasizing there was no need for a curfew or emergency measures. “The crisis will be resolved by tonight. We will bring peace back to the country,” he declared, urging citizens to cease the violence and promising a thorough investigation into the recent killings.
Uncertainty Surrounds Prime Minister’s Whereabouts
According to a senior official from the Prime Minister’s Office, Sheikh Hasina left her official residence amidst the chaos. Her current location remains undisclosed, although BBC reports suggest she has relocated to Agartala, the capital of the Indian state of Tripura, with her sister for safety.
Root Causes of the Unrest: Student Protests Over Job Reservations
The unrest began in July with student protests demanding the abolition of reservations in major government jobs. Despite some concessions from Hasina’s government, the students continued to press for her resignation. The violence has been devastating, with nearly 300 casualties reported since the protests began. Last month, the government deployed the army in an attempt to control the situation, but the unrest persisted.
Civil Disobedience and Violent Clashes
The situation escalated further on Sunday when students called for a civil disobedience movement. Reports indicate that protesters have been pelting stones at the Prime Minister’s official residence, exacerbating the already tense situation.
Implications for Bangladesh and the Region
Former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pinak Ranjan Chakraborty, commented on the gravity of the situation, noting the increasing pressure on Hasina’s government. He speculated that the powerful military institution likely intervened, leading to her resignation. Chakraborty warned of potential instability in Bangladesh, which could have broader regional implications, particularly for neighboring India, which is closely monitoring the developments.
Call for Peace and Stability
As the nation grapples with this significant political shift, the Bangladesh Army remains committed to restoring order. “We ask the citizens to stop the violence,” reiterated General Zaman, emphasizing the army’s role in bringing peace back to the country. The coming days will be critical in determining the future course of Bangladesh’s governance and stability.
