Crowds gather around the prime minister’s residence as they continue to call for the abolition of the quota system in government jobs
Dhaka, Bangladesh
August 5, 2024
In an unprecedented escalation of political unrest, thousands of protesters stormed the official residence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka today. This dramatic turn of events unfolded shortly after Hasina tendered her resignation and fled the country, marking a significant moment in Bangladesh’s political crisis.
The residence, known as Ganabhaban, one of the most heavily protected buildings in the nation, was overrun by the angry mob. Protesters were seen ransacking the premises, hauling away a variety of items including televisions, furniture, and kitchen appliances. The chaos extended to the kitchen, where raw fish, live goats, and ducks were taken by the looters. Many of Sheikh Hasina’s portraits and other personal items were vandalized, further adding to the scene of destruction.
In a bizarre twist, several protesters were captured on camera enjoying a feast of biryani and fish from the residence’s kitchens. Some even took the opportunity to sit on the Prime Minister’s bed while indulging in their impromptu meal. The atmosphere in Ganabhaban turned festive as crowds celebrated what they perceived as the downfall of the Hasina government.
The unrest reached a symbolic level when protesters climbed atop and attempted to destroy a large statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of Sheikh Hasina and a key figure in Bangladesh’s independence. The damage also extended to portraits of Rahman, reflecting the deep-seated anger and resentment towards the ruling administration.
The protests, which have been ongoing for over a month, initially started over disagreements with a quota system. The demands soon escalated to calls for the removal of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government, which had been in power for more than 15 years. The situation has evolved into one of the most severe outbreaks of violence the country has seen in decades.
This turmoil in Bangladesh echoes similar scenes from July 2022 in Sri Lanka, where protesters stormed the residence of then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, resulting in widespread looting and destruction. Both incidents highlight a broader pattern of public outcry against long-standing political leadership and governance issues.As the situation in Bangladesh remains fluid, the world watches closely to gauge the impact on the nation’s stability and its democratic processes. The unrest has raised serious questions about the future of governance in the region and its potential effects on regional stability.
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