Amid escalating violence in Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and left Dhaka with her sister Rehana. Hasina has reportedly landed in India. The abrupt departure of the prime minister comes as protesters stormed her official residence, the Ganabhaban. In a national address, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman called for calm, urging citizens to cease violent activities and promising an investigation into the recent killings. The Army General announced the formation of an interim government to restore peace and emphasised that there would be no curfew or state of emergency, assuring a resolution by nightfall.
Key updates:
1. The country is facing severe unrest, with thousands demanding Hasina’s resignation following deadly clashes that resulted in over 100 deaths. Videos have emerged showing widespread chaos.
2. Six people were killed in fresh violence today in the Jatrabari and Dhaka Medical College areas.
3. Prior to her resignation, a senior advisor mentioned that Hasina stepping down was a "possibility." Unconfirmed reports suggest Hasina might be in India, possibly heading to Agartala in Tripura.
4. Protests led by student activists, who are staging a "Long March to Dhaka" to demand Hasina's resignation, prompted the government to impose an internet shutdown.
5. According to Prothom Alo, a Bengali-language newspaper, broadband internet was reinstated around 1:15 a.m., but mobile internet access continued to be suspended.
6. Properties belonging to public officials and offices of the ruling Awami League were targeted and set on fire across 39 districts on Sunday.
7. To disperse student protesters, armed security personnel patrolled Dhaka’s streets on Monday and deployed tear gas.
8. The unrest began with student protests over quotas in July, resulting in over 300 deaths. Violence escalated on July 16 after clashes between protesters, security officials, and pro-government activists.
9. Protests paused after the top court removed most quotas on July 21 but resumed last week with demands for Hasina’s apology for the violence.
