On Monday, scenes of jubilation erupted in Bangladesh as protesters celebrated the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after weeks of deadly anti-government demonstrations. The protesters stormed her official residence, leading to her resignation and reported fleeing from the country. The military, under Gen. Waker-uz-Zaman, announced the formation of an interim government to bring peace to the nation.
The unrest stemmed from clashes between police and protesters demanding the scrapping of government job quotas and the resignation of the prime minister. The death toll from Sunday's clashes reached 91, including 13 police officers, marking the highest single-day death toll in recent history. The violence prompted the government to impose a nationwide curfew over the weekend.
International bodies, including the US State Department and the UN Secretary General, urged restraint and a peaceful transition following Hasina's resignation. The US embassy in Dhaka advised citizens to shelter in a safe place due to the unpredictable atmosphere. The main flight hub in Dhaka was temporarily closed post-resignation.
While Hasina's resignation was celebrated by many, concerns linger about the country's future. Some citizens expressed the need for protection of religious and ethnic minorities and justice for all. The path ahead remains uncertain as Bangladesh navigates through this leadership vacuum.
Protests continued in Dhaka, with reports of police opening fire on demonstrators and using tear gas. The military also fired warning shots towards protesters in various locations. The country is currently experiencing a near-total internet shutdown, limiting access to information.
As Bangladesh grapples with political turmoil and societal unrest, the call for peace, justice, and unity resonates among its citizens. The events unfolding in the nation underscore the importance of a peaceful and democratic resolution to the current crisis.
