In a stunning turn of events, Sheikh Hasina, the long-serving Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has resigned and fled the country following weeks of deadly protests. Known as the “Iron Lady” for her resolute leadership, Hasina’s abrupt departure marks a significant upheaval in Bangladesh’s political landscape. Her resignation comes after 15 years of rule, leaving the nation at a crossroads amid escalating unrest and demands for democratic reforms.
Hasina was credited with leading Bangladesh during a time of impressive economic growth, but she failed to address rising income inequality. She was also accused of becoming increasingly hardline [Reuters ]
Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh’s founding father, has been a dominant force in the country’s politics for decades. First taking office in 1996, her leadership has been characterized by economic growth, infrastructure development, and a strong stance against extremism. Her tenure from 2009 to 2024 witnessed significant progress in many areas, including poverty reduction and women’s empowerment.
Under her leadership, Bangladesh experienced rapid economic growth, with GDP growth rates consistently among the highest in Asia. Her government’s focus on infrastructure projects like the Padma Bridge and digital transformation initiatives helped modernize the economy and improve the quality of life for millions of Bangladeshis.
On Monday, following weeks of protests, the 76-year-old resigned and fled the country.
A Nation in Turmoil:
As the protests grew in intensity and scale, cities across Bangladesh witnessed unprecedented levels of unrest. Major cities, including Dhaka and Chittagong, became epicenters of the turmoil, with thousands taking to the streets demanding Hasina’s resignation. The situation reached a boiling point when key members of the ruling Awami League began to voice concerns over the government’s handling of the crisis, leading to fractures within the party.
The economic impact of the unrest was also severe, with businesses shutting down, supply chains disrupted, and investor confidence plummeting. The garment industry, a vital sector of Bangladesh’s economy, faced significant setbacks as strikes and protests halted production. The ongoing crisis threatened to undo years of economic progress and stability, putting further pressure on the government to address the situation.
Hasina Resignation and Departure:
In the face of mounting pressure, Sheikh Hasina announced her resignation in a televised address, stating that she was stepping down to restore peace and stability in the country. Her resignation was a dramatic concession to the protesters’ demands, but it was accompanied by her sudden departure from the country, reportedly seeking refuge in a neighboring nation.
Her resignation and departure have left Bangladesh in a state of uncertainty, with questions about the future direction of the country and the fate of the Awami League. The resignation of such a pivotal figure has created a power vacuum, prompting concerns about political stability and the potential for further unrest.
Media reports in India say an aircraft carrying Hasina landed at Hindon Air Base near New Delhi. She was on board a Bangladesh Air Force aircraft which landed at the base in Ghaziabad, India Today news channel reported.
Her resignation came after nearly 300 people died in weeks of protest that the authorities sought to crush. A night of deadly violence on Sunday killed close to 100 and a curfew was called.
On Monday, huge crowds stormed the prime minister’s palace, preventing Hasina from delivering a speech.
At least 20 more people were killed during violence in Dhaka as protesters stormed buildings, a police officer told the AFP news agency.
“We’ve got 20 bodies here,” said Bacchu Mia, a police inspector at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, without giving details of their deaths, although witnesses and other police officers reported mobs launching revenge attacks on rival groups.
Despite the violence, by early afternoon, the mood on the streets had turned to one of celebration after the news of the premier’s departure spread.
