Bangladesh's Political Upheaval: PM Hasina Resigns

Sheikh Hasina, the 76th Prime Minister of Bangladesh, resigned and fled the country on August 6, 2024. The military chief announced an interim government, and protesters stormed her official residence and set fire to her Awami League party office.

Sheikh Hasina's Resignation and Departure

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, 76, resigned and fled Bangladesh on August 6, 2024
Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman confirmed her resignation in a televised address
Hasina left Dhaka by helicopter, accompanied by her sister Rehana
Reports indicate she landed at Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad, India
Speculation about her potential move to London or seeking asylum in the UK

Immediate Aftermath and Political Vacuum

Army chief announced the formation of an interim government
Protesters stormed Hasina's official residence, ransacking the building
Hasina's Awami League party office in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, was set on fire
Demonstrators destroyed statues of Hasina's father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
General Waker-Uz-Zaman engaged in talks with opposition parties and civil society members

Origins and Escalation of Protests

Protests began in July 2024 over a controversial job quota system
Initial student demonstrations evolved into broader anti-government uprising
Government's heavy-handed response included internet shutdown and social media bans
"Long March to Dhaka" organized by "Students Against Discrimination" movement
Clashes between protesters and security forces resulted in numerous deaths

Sheikh Hasina's Political Journey

Daughter of Bangladesh's founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Survived 1975 military coup that killed most of her family
Spent six years in exile before returning to lead the Awami League party
First elected as Prime Minister in 1996
Served as Prime Minister for 15 consecutive years until her resignation

Controversies and Criticisms of Hasina's Rule

Accusations of increasing authoritarianism over time
Arrests and trials of opposition members viewed as politically motivated
Banning of opposition Jamaat-e-Islami party from elections in 2013
Allegations of mass arrests of opposition leaders before January 2024 elections
Contentious quota system for government jobs favoring freedom fighters' descendants

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