Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Resigns And flees country amidst Protests

August 6, 2024 23

On Monday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh resigned and fled the country following weeks of escalating protests. The demonstrations, which began over a controversial job quota system, intensified into widespread unrest demanding her resignation. The situation in Bangladesh has been marked by significant violence, with hundreds of fatalities reported as the government attempted to suppress the protests.

The protests originated from discontent over the reinstatement of a job quota system that reserved civil service positions for relatives of veterans from the 1971 war of independence. This policy was seen as discriminatory and sparked outrage among students and other groups advocating for a merit-based system.

Amid the growing unrest, the Bangladesh Army Chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, announced the formation of an interim government to stabilize the situation. This announcement followed a brutal crackdown on protesters, which included the use of live ammunition and tear gas by security forces.

Hasina’s departure marks the end of her 15-year tenure, during which she maintained a tight grip on power through force and intimidation. Her government faced criticism for its handling of the protests and its broader authoritarian practices, which included rigged elections and the suppression of dissent.

The situation in Bangladesh remains tense as the interim government seeks to restore order and address the demands of the protesters, who continue to call for significant political reforms and accountability for the violence inflicted upon them.

COMPILED BY:

ELIZABETH MAINA.