DHAKA. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on Monday amidst unprecedented violence and unrest, marking a dramatic turn in the country’s political landscape. In a televised address, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced Hasina’s resignation and the formation of an interim government.
Reports indicate that Hasina, 76, was transported via military helicopter with her sister and has reportedly arrived in Agartala, Tripura, India, although these details could not be immediately confirmed by Reuters.
The resignation follows weeks of intense protests sparked by student demonstrations against reservation quotas in government jobs, which escalated into widespread calls for Hasina’s removal. The protests, which began last month, have resulted in at least 250 deaths and thousands of injuries.
General Zaman stated, “The country is going through a revolutionary period,” and assured the public that justice would be served for those affected by the violence. “I promise you all, we will bring justice to all the murders and injustice. We request you to have faith in the army of the country. I take full responsibility and I assure you not to get disheartened,” he said.
Zaman, who assumed his position as army chief on June 23, urged the public to refrain from further violence and return to peaceful means. “I request you all to be a little patient, give us some time and together we will be able to solve all the problems,” he added.
In Dhaka, jubilant crowds poured into the streets, celebrating Hasina’s departure. Protesters stormed Hasina’s official residence, Ganabhaban, and looted items from the heavily fortified building. Some demonstrators climbed atop a statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina’s father, and vandalized it.
The violence intensified over the weekend, with nearly 100 people killed in clashes on Sunday, surpassing previous records for a single day. The clashes led to an indefinite nationwide curfew starting Sunday evening and a three-day general holiday beginning Monday. The death toll included at least 13 police officers, marking the highest single-day fatalities from recent protests.
Reports also indicate ongoing attacks and vandalism targeting government buildings, ruling party offices, and police stations. Violence has spread to 39 of the country’s 64 districts, prompting Bangladesh Railway to suspend all services indefinitely and garment factories to close.
Amidst the chaos, retired military officers have called for a political resolution, criticizing Hasina’s government for its handling of the crisis. Human rights groups and critics have accused the government of excessive force against protesters, a claim that Hasina and her ministers have denied, labeling the protesters as “terrorists” aiming to destabilize the nation.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
