Bangladesh Army Seizes Power as PM Sheikh Hasina Resigns Amid Deadly Protests 

Bangladesh Army Seizes Power as PM Sheikh Hasina Resigns Amid Deadly Protests

Bangladesh is in a state of crisis as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and fled the country following weeks of deadly protests demanding her exit. The Bangladesh Army has taken control of the situation, with General Waker-Uz-Zaman announcing the formation of an interim government to run the country.

In a televised address, General Waker-Uz-Zaman stated, “There is a crisis in the country. I have met Opposition leaders and we have decided to form an interim government to run this country. I take all responsibility and promise to protect your life and property. Your demands will be fulfilled. Please support us and stop violence. If you work with us, we can move towards a proper solution. We cannot achieve anything through violence.”

The protests, which began as a student movement against job quotas, have spiraled into nationwide unrest, resulting in the deaths of at least 300 people and leaving hundreds injured[4][5]. The government has responded with a crackdown, detaining over 11,000 individuals, including opposition supporters and students.

Ms. Hasina, who started her fifth term as Prime Minister earlier this year, left the state capital Dhaka in a military aircraft for India[1][2]. The Army chief confirmed her resignation and departure, stating that leaders of Opposition parties and civil society were present at today’s meeting, with no one from the ruling Awami League in attendance.

The Army’s intervention comes after a weekend of violence that left dozens dead, prompting the military to impose an indefinite curfew and authorities to cut off mobile internet services in an attempt to stem the unrest[1][5]. The government had also declared a holiday from Monday to Wednesday, leading to the indefinite closure of courts.

In the face of calls for her resignation, Ms. Hasina had previously characterized the protesters as “not students but terrorists aiming to destabilize the nation.” However, the student demonstrators have turned down her offer for unconditional dialogue, demanding justice for those killed and injured, and now seeking her resignation.

The coming days will be pivotal for both sides, as the protests present a substantial challenge to Ms. Hasina’s rule. The Army’s promise to fulfill the protesters’ demands and move towards a proper solution has raised hopes for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the interim government formed by the Army will be able to restore stability and address the underlying issues that sparked the protests in the first place. The international community will be closely watching the developments in Bangladesh, as the country navigates this critical juncture in its history.

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