Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina resigns, sending ‘shock waves’ across the region
- Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15 years of rule ended on Monday as she fled the country after weeks of deadly protests
Jubilant Bangladeshi protesters flooded into the official residence of fallen Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday afternoon after she fled the country after days of bloody protests. But some warned they would not stomach long-term government by the army as it declared itself in charge on an “interim” basis.
The spectacular downfall of Hasina, 76, who governed Bangladesh for 15 years, followed some of the worst political violence ever witnessed in a country that came into being in 1971.
Hasina had sought since early July to quell nationwide protests against her government, but she fled after a brutal day of unrest on Sunday in which nearly 100 people died.
The protests started in July over a job quota system for the civil service that students said froze them out in favour of allies of Hasina and her long dominant Awami League party. The protests escalated despite the scheme having been scaled back by Bangladesh’s top court.
Hasan Robayet, 34, a private tutor, told This Week in Asia he was overwhelmed with joy as he marched toward the Prime Minister’s residence, Ganabhaban – which translates to “the people’s residence” – in Dhaka.
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‘Our country has been liberated’: Bangladeshis celebrate as prime minister resigns and flees
“The people have triumphed; this is the success of a massive, people-led movement. I feel incredibly happy to have helped shatter this dictatorial regime. It feels incredible!”
