Bangladesh in turmoil: Prime Minister flees amid violent protests
12:49 PM EDT, August 5, 2024
BBC reports that Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed has resigned and is on her way to India with her sister. A few minutes before her escape, protesters stormed her residence in Dhaka, which is currently being looted. The country is awaiting a speech from the head of the army.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed resigned from her position and fled the country along with her sister. Hasina, who has ruled Bangladesh since 2009, is aboard a helicopter heading to Agartala.
The Bangladesh army chief gave a televised speech to the nation after 6:10 AM ET. He confirmed that Sheikh Hasina had fled. Waker-uz-Zaman said a temporary government will be formed. He added that he plans to meet with President Mohammed Shahabuddin and hopes a "solution" will be found by the end of the day.
The army chief mentioned that he has already spoken with opposition political parties in the country. It is not clear who will lead the government.
Waker-uz-Zaman also promised "justice" for all citizens of Bangladesh — something the protesters have demanded following the deaths of hundreds of people over the past few weeks.
Stormed her residence. Prime Minister flees
A few minutes before Hasina's escape, protesters broke into her residence in Dhaka. According to the BBC, the headquarters is currently being looted. Furniture and chairs are being taken out of the building.
The BBC correspondent in Dhaka describes today's events as a "historic moment" for Bangladesh. Akbar Hossein from BBC Bangla in the capital reported a mass uprising in Bangladesh: tens of thousands of people took to the streets, and there was sudden news that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had left the official residence.
In the recordings, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh can be seen along with her sister and top officials fleeing from the protesters.
Massacre in the capital
The total number of fatalities during the anti-government protests, which have been ongoing in Bangladesh since July, has reached at least 300. Ninety-four people died in Sunday clashes with police and ruling party activists, AFP reported, based on police and medical sources.
