Protests in Dhaka as Sheikh Hasina Resigns and Leaves Bangladesh

On August 5, protests and acts of vandalism erupted in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, following the resignation and departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The initial demonstrations, led by students, were aimed at ending the quota system for government jobs but soon evolved into a wider movement against Hasina and her ruling Awami League party.

Visual evidence from the scene showed protestors ransacking Hasina’s official residence and storming the parliament building. Shortly after the 76-year-old leader departed in a military helicopter, Bangladesh’s military chief, General Waqar-uz-Zaman, addressed the nation, urging protestors to refrain from violence and announcing the formation of an interim government.

The unrest resulted in at least 95 fatalities, including 14 police officers, with hundreds more injured in the ensuing clashes. Protesters set fire to Sudha Sadan, Hasina’s unofficial residence, and vandalized the home of the Chief Justice. Celebrations and protests continued throughout Dhaka, with some demonstrators expressing approval of Hasina’s resignation.

Local media reported further incidents of vandalism, including fires set at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Museum and the Dhaka district office of the Awami League. A statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of Sheikh Hasina, was also defaced.

Earlier in the day, thousands of protestors participated in the ‘Long March to Dhaka’ initiative, demanding the government’s resignation. Meanwhile, security agencies in India closely monitored a C-130 aircraft believed to be transporting Hasina and her entourage towards Delhi.

General Waqar-uz-Zaman confirmed the resignation of Sheikh Hasina and called for peace and calm, urging citizens to trust the military’s intentions. He assured the public that a detailed discussion on the formation of an interim government was underway.