In a surprising turn of events, Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has resigned from her position amidst violent protests demanding her removal. The Bangladesh Army, led by General Waker-Uz-Zaman, is now moving to take control of the country.
General Zaman addressed the media, stating that the Army would form an interim government. He appealed to the protesters to stop the violence and return to peaceful ways.
“There is a crisis in the country. I have met Opposition leaders and we have decided to form an interim government to run this country. I take all responsibility and promise to protect your life and property. Your demands will be fulfilled. Please support us and stop the violence. If you work with us, we can move towards a proper solution. We cannot achieve anything through violence,” he said.
Sheikh Hasina, who began her fifth term as Prime Minister earlier this year, has left the state capital Dhaka in a military helicopter. Reports suggest she may be headed to a safer location in India. Accompanying her is her younger sister, Sheikh Rehana. Meanwhile, protesters have stormed Gono Bhaban, the official residence of the Prime Minister.
The Bangladesh Army appears to be taking control of the situation and had reportedly given Sheikh Hasina a 45-minute ultimatum to step down. In a shocking development, visuals of protesters vandalizing a statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Sheikh Hasina’s father and the leader who led Bangladesh to independence from Pakistan, have emerged from the streets of Dhaka.
The protests in Bangladesh began last month over a quota system that reserves 30 percent of government jobs for family members of Muktijoddhas, the fighters of Bangladesh’s 1971 War of Independence. Protesters argued that this system unfairly benefits supporters of the ruling Awami League and called for a merit-based system instead. As the protests grew, the Awami League government tried to suppress them with force, resulting in over 300 deaths in the ensuing clashes.
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Adding fuel to the fire, Prime Minister Hasina made a controversial remark. She questioned, “If not the grandchildren of the freedom fighters, then who will get quota benefits? The grandchildren of the ‘Razakars’?” The term ‘Razakar’ refers to a paramilitary force recruited by the Pakistan Army during the 1971 liberation war, known for committing atrocities, including mass killings, rapes, and torture. This comment deeply offended many and intensified the protests.
With the resignation of Sheikh Hasina and the Army stepping in, the situation in Bangladesh remains tense. The Army has promised to protect the people and fulfil their demands, urging cooperation to restore peace. The coming days will be crucial in determining how the country moves forward from this crisis.
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