Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh, who is currently in self-exile in India, has called for an investigation into the killings that occurred during weeks of violent protests that led to her ouster. The protests, initiated by student activists, resulted in more than 300 deaths and forced Hasina to leave office after a 15-year rule.
Hasina, who is accused of responsibility for the deadly violence, issued a statement demanding punishment for those accountable for the killings and sabotage. The unrest began with protests against a government job quota system and escalated into a movement against what was perceived as Hasina's autocratic rule.
The violence involved clashes between student activists, pro-government groups, and police, resulting in casualties among various groups. Hasina emphasized that police officers, members of her political party, bystanders, and others were also victims of what she described as 'terrorist aggression.'
Following her resignation, a murder investigation was launched implicating Hasina and other government officials in the deaths during the protests. The interim government canceled a public holiday declared by Hasina to mark the death of her father, Bangladesh's independence leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in response to political parties' requests.
Despite the turmoil, Hasina urged people to observe the holiday with dignity. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has taken charge, with a new Cabinet formed through discussions with student leaders, civil society representatives, and the military.
Hasina and her party's top leaders are either in hiding or prohibited from leaving the country. The protests initially targeted the government job quota system, which critics claimed favored individuals linked to Hasina's party. Her administration faced allegations of human rights abuses and corruption, leading to widespread criticism.
The situation in Bangladesh remains tense, with ongoing protests and sporadic violence. The police force, which suffered casualties during the unrest, has gradually resumed operations across the country.
