In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned from her position on Monday, ending her 15-year tenure amidst escalating violence and political unrest. Her departure from Bangladesh was marked by a tumultuous backdrop of anti-government protests that left over 300 people dead. Hasina’s flight landed at the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad, India, at 5:36 PM, where she is expected to stay briefly before continuing her journey to London.
The resignation came after intense pressure from both the public and the military. The protests, which started over a contentious government jobs quota system, spiraled into violent clashes that saw thousands take to the streets. The Bangladesh Army, led by General Waker-Uz-Zaman, intervened, giving Hasina a 45-minute ultimatum to resign after her government failed to control the situation. In a televised address, General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced the formation of an interim government, urging protesters to cease their activities and promising to protect lives and property.
Shaikh Hasina Legacy and Achievements
Sheikh Hasina’s political career has been marked by significant achievements and enduring controversies. She first served as Prime Minister from June 1996 to July 2001, during which time she signed a pivotal 30-year water-sharing treaty with India governing the Ganges River. Her administration also repealed the Indemnity Act, which had granted immunity to the assassins of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding leader of Bangladesh. These actions underscored her commitment to justice and regional cooperation.
Despite her accomplishments, Hasina’s tenure has not been without criticism. Her leadership has been frequently challenged by allegations of authoritarianism and human rights abuses. The recent protests, sparked by a government jobs quota that reserved up to 30 percent of positions for families of veterans from Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence, highlighted the growing discontent among the populace. The Supreme Court’s decision to reduce these reservations to 5 percent temporarily quelled the unrest, but dissatisfaction with unmet demands led to renewed calls for her resignation.
The Crisis Unfolds
The scale of the protests has been unprecedented, with local media estimating up to 400,000 demonstrators at the height of the unrest. The capital city of Dhaka became a battleground as protesters broke into Gonobhaban, the Prime Minister’s residence, and clashed with police and military forces. The violence peaked on Sunday, with 100 people killed and over 1,000 injured in a single day. Since then, the death toll has surpassed 300, making this one of the deadliest episodes of civil unrest in Bangladesh’s recent history.
The international community has been closely monitoring the situation, with India’s Border Security Force (BSF) on high alert along the 4,096 km border shared with Bangladesh. Field commanders have been ordered to take “on ground” positions, and all train services between the two countries have been suspended as a precautionary measure.
Uncertain Future
As Sheikh Hasina leaves Bangladesh, the country’s future hangs in the balance. The interim government, led by the military, faces the daunting task of restoring order and addressing the root causes of the unrest. General Waker-Uz-Zaman’s assurances of fulfilling the protesters’ demands will be critical in calming the situation and preventing further violence.
For Sheikh Hasina, the journey to India marks a poignant end to a significant chapter in Bangladesh’s political history. Her leadership, while transformative in many respects, ultimately succumbed to the mounting pressures of a populace yearning for change and accountability. As she heads to London, the world watches closely, waiting to see how Bangladesh navigates this turbulent period and what the future holds for its people.
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