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Jubilant scenes erupted in Dhaka on Monday after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country following weeks of deadly anti-government protests. The demonstrations, led primarily by young students, marked a significant push against Hasina's 15-year rule, which critics say has become increasingly authoritarian.
Hasina’s resignation, prompted by escalating violence that claimed around 300 lives, ends her lengthy tenure characterized by a clampdown on civil liberties and harsh suppression of dissent. Bangladesh’s army chief, Gen. Waker-uz-Zaman, announced that the military would form an interim government. However, student protest leaders have called for Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus to head a temporary administration.
A source from the Yunus Centre confirmed Yunus’ willingness to return to Bangladesh to lead the interim government, supported by the country’s main opposition party.
The protests, which began on July 1 over civil service job quotas, morphed into a broader movement against Hasina after violent crackdowns. High unemployment and economic strains further fueled public discontent. Despite the Supreme Court's partial rollback of the controversial quotas, unrest persisted, culminating in Hasina’s departure.
Following her resignation, violence erupted as protesters set fire to buildings, including the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum. Reports of clashes and police shootings were widespread, adding to the unrest.
In a turn of events, President Mohammed Shahabuddin announced the release of opposition leader Khaleda Zia and other detained protesters. The military's role in Hasina's resignation remains ambiguous, with some soldiers reportedly refusing to use deadly force against demonstrators.
Bangladesh now faces uncertainty as it awaits the formation of a new government. While Yunus has expressed his intention to return and aid in the transition, the future remains uncertain, with calls for lasting political reform and protection of minority rights echoing across the nation.
[Source: CNN]
