Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and left the country following weeks of protests against her government, which have resulted in hundreds of deaths. Hasina, who is 76 years old, announced her departure on Monday amid student-led unrest regarding a quota system for public positions that escalated into a widespread demand for her resignation—marking the most severe political crisis during her 15 years in power.
During a wave of protests, where tens of thousands surrounded government buildings and residences in the capital, Dhaka, Hasina fled in a military helicopter alongside her sister and landed in New Delhi, according to Indian media reports.
In a statement to the nation, Bangladesh’s Army Chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, announced that a temporary government will now take control in the country of 170 million people, without providing further details.
The reactions to Hasina’s resignation and the unrest in the country have been global. Rahman, who lives in exile in the United Kingdom, stated on social media platform X that “Hasina’s resignation proves the power of the people.” He called for a collective effort to “rebuild Bangladesh into a democratic and developed nation, where the rights and freedoms of all are protected.”
A spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed concern about the violence and the “significant loss of life, including students, children, and police officers,” labeling it as “completely unacceptable.” Starmer urged authorities to protect the right to peaceful protest and ensure that there are legal consequences for those accused of violence.
In Whitechapel, a neighborhood in London with a large Bangladeshi community, many celebrated Hasina’s resignation with flags and horn sounds, chanting: “Bangladesh! Bangladesh!” Abu Sayem, a 50-year-old local resident, stated: “Bangladesh has achieved its second independence now.”
A spokesperson from the German Federal Foreign Office emphasized the importance of Bangladesh continuing on its democratic path amid the country’s turmoil. The European Union has also called for a “proper and peaceful” transition to democracy, urging calm and restraint.
Irene Khan, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression, noted that the temporary government faces a “very difficult task.” She expressed hope for a peaceful transition and accountability for recent human rights violations.
Taqbir Huda, a researcher for Amnesty International in South Asia, remarked that while Hasina has stepped down, much of the violence could have been avoided if her government had been more accommodating to the students’ demands. He stressed the importance of ensuring that military rule is a temporary measure until a civilian government can be restored.
Although Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has yet to comment on Hasina’s resignation, it has issued a “high alert” along the border with Bangladesh.