Hasina abandons Bangladesh as chaos engulfs nation, Army takes charge

ARMY CHIEF GENERAL WAQAR-UZ-ZAMAN ANNOUNCES PM'S RESIGNATION AND INTERIM GOVT TAKEOVER ON NATIONAL TV

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In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through South Asia, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina secretly fled the country on Monday, leaving behind a nation in turmoil. As news of her departure spread, the military swiftly moved to fill the power vacuum.

Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman announced on national television that the 76-year-old prime minister had resigned and that an interim government would be taking over.

“I’m taking all responsibility (of the country). Please cooperate,” Zaman stated, effectively signalling the end of Hasina’s 15-year rule.

The crisis reached a boiling point after weeks of escalating tensions and violent protests against Hasina’s government. At the heart of the unrest was a controversial quota system that reserved 30 per cent of government jobs for families of veterans who fought in the 1971 liberation war.

The policy had sparked widespread anger and accusations of nepotism and unfairness. Student activists had called for a march to the capital Dhaka on Monday in defiance of a nationwide curfew to press Hasina to resign after clashes across the country on Sunday killed nearly 100 people. On Monday, at least six people were killed in clashes between police and protesters in the Jatrabari and Dhaka Medical College areas.

Meanwhile, the Army chief also revealed that he had met with political leaders to discuss the transition, though representatives from Hasina’s Awami League party were notably absent.

The Army chief said he had asked both Army and police not to fire any shots. Zaman also urged restraint and asked protesters to end the violence. He vowed “justice” for all the people.