Chaos erupted in Bangladesh's capital city of Dhaka as protesters stormed the residence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, leading to her resignation and the announcement of an interim military government. Visuals showed crowds rushing into the compound, waving to cameras, looting furniture and books, and some even relaxing on beds. In a shocking act of defiance, protesters destroyed a statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh and Hasina’s father.
Demonstrators were also seen sleeping on beds inside the residence.
The turmoil began early Monday morning when hundreds of protesters broke through the gates of Hasina's official residence, waving flags and dancing atop a tank.
This unrest culminated in several violent acts, including setting fire to the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Museum in the Dhanmondi area, as reported by Prothom Alo.
The fire started around 3:45 pm and engulfed the Dhaka district office of the Awami League party, as well as Hasina’s 3/A Dhanmondi office.
Bangladeshi Army Confirms Sheikh Hasina's Resignation Amid Violent Protests
In a national broadcast, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced that Prime Minister Hasina had resigned and that the military would establish an interim government. "The country has suffered a lot, the economy has been hit, many people have been killed -- it is time to stop the violence," Waker stated, dressed in military fatigues. He expressed hope that his speech would help improve the situation and mentioned plans to consult with the president to form a caretaker government. However, he clarified that he had not yet engaged in discussions with Hasina's Awami League.
The protests, which started last month over civil service job quotas, escalated into a broader movement demanding Hasina’s resignation. The unrest has resulted in at least 300 deaths since early July, according to an AFP tally based on information from police, government officials, and hospital doctors. The deadliest day of the protests was Sunday, with at least 94 fatalities, including 14 police officers. Violent clashes between protesters and government supporters involved sticks, knives, and gunfire from security forces.
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About Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, often referred to as Bangabandhu, is a central figure in Bangladesh’s history, credited as the architect of its independence. Born on 17 March 1920 in Tungipara, he played a pivotal role in the country’s liberation movement and held various leadership positions, including Prime Minister and President of Bangladesh. He was assassinated by a group of disgruntled army officials on 15 August 1975 along with most of his family members, except for his two daughters, including Hasina, who were abroad at the time.