By The Nexus Gazette.
05/08/2024.
In a dramatic turn of events, Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has resigned following weeks of escalating protests and violent clashes that have shaken the nation. Hasina’s departure, confirmed by military chief Waker-Uz-Zaman, marks a historic shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape and raises questions about the future direction of the country.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had been in power since 2009, has stepped down amidst a backdrop of unprecedented civil unrest. According to sources, Hasina is reportedly en route to Agartala, India, via helicopter. Waker-Uz-Zaman announced that an interim government will assume control in the wake of Hasina’s resignation, although specific details about the interim administration have not yet been disclosed.
The unrest began as a student-led protest against a controversial quota system that allocated up to 30% of government jobs to relatives of the 1971 independence war veterans. Demonstrators, who initially sought a merit-based job allocation system, quickly expanded their demands to call for the end of Hasina’s long tenure in office. Over the past month, clashes between protesters and security forces have resulted in approximately 300 fatalities. The situation has been further exacerbated by severe police crackdowns and confrontations.
Hasina’s resignation comes in the wake of her recent electoral victory in January, which was marred by allegations of fraud and a boycott by major opposition parties. The opposition accused the government of undermining democratic processes, citing the imprisonment of thousands of opposition members and the perceived illegitimacy of the election. Despite these claims, the government has insisted that the election was conducted fairly and in accordance with democratic norms.
As of now, Dhaka is witnessing chaotic scenes, with thousands of protesters continuing to flood the streets. Demonstrators have even breached Hasina’s official residence, underscoring the intensity of the public outrage. In response to the unrest, the military has imposed a curfew across the capital, and internet services have been restricted to manage the flow of information.The resignation of Sheikh Hasina represents a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s history. As the nation navigates this significant political shift, questions about the future governance and stability of Bangladesh remain unanswered.
Resources:
1.https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/bangladesh-protests-sheikh-hasina-resigns-1.7285472
2.https://variety.com/2024/politics/asia/bangladesh-prime-minister-sheikh-hasina-protests-1236095436/
3.https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-05/bangladesh-pm-resigns-following-protests/104186664
4.https://www.bbc.com/news/live/ckdgg87lnkdt?post=asset%3A349ab150-996d-4422-b611-7f04cef8e88e