TheMONdaily – In a dramatic turn of events, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh resigned and fled the country on Monday, following weeks of escalating protests that began with student demonstrations against government job quotas and evolved into a nationwide movement demanding her resignation.
HASINA RESIGNS AND FLIES TO INDIA
Sheikh Hasina, 76, departed Dhaka in a military aircraft on Monday and landed at Hindon Airbase near Delhi in the evening, according to two Indian government officials who spoke to Reuters. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on Tuesday that Hasina decided to step down after a critical meeting with the leaders of the security forces. In a sudden move, she sought permission from New Delhi to enter India while Bangladesh authorities simultaneously requested flight clearance. Hasina remains in India as of the latest updates.
BANGLADESH PRESIDENT DISSOLVES PARLIAMENT
Following Hasina’s resignation, President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved the parliament on Tuesday, setting the stage for the formation of an interim government. In a significant political shift, the president also ordered the release of Begum Khaleda Zia, the chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and a former prime minister, from house arrest. Zia, a long-time rival of Hasina, is expected to play a pivotal role in the coming political landscape.
THE PROTESTS THAT SHOOK BANGLADESH
The protests that led to the end of Hasina’s long tenure as Bangladesh’s prime minister began as a series of student-led demonstrations against the government’s job quota system. However, the movement quickly gained momentum, transforming into widespread unrest demanding Hasina’s resignation. The situation escalated with deadly clashes between protesters and security forces, pushing the country to the brink of political chaos.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR BANGLADESH?
With the dissolution of parliament and the resignation of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture. The formation of an interim government and the release of Khaleda Zia are expected to usher in a new era of political dynamics. The international community watches closely as the nation navigates through this tumultuous period, hoping for a peaceful resolution and a return to stability.
Stay tuned with TheMONdaily for more updates on this unfolding story.
