By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and fled the country amidst intense protests. An aide informed Al Jazeera that Hasina escaped on a military helicopter after protesters defied a national curfew and stormed the prime minister’s palace in Dhaka.
The unrest, which has led to nearly 300 deaths over several weeks, escalated with violent clashes resulting in around 100 fatalities on Sunday. Celebrations erupted in the streets upon news of Hasina’s departure. General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the Chief of Army Staff, has canceled his address to the nation and is now negotiating with major political parties, including the opposition BNP.
“The situation was beyond control, and the prime minister had no choice but to leave,” said a senior official. The army is now working to restore order and ensure a peaceful transition of power. International observers are closely monitoring the situation, with concerns about the potential for further violence and instability. Meanwhile, protest leaders are calling for immediate reforms and the establishment of a new interim government to guide the country towards free and fair elections.
