In a stunning turn of events, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and fled the country, the BBC reports.
Hasina, who has led Bangladesh since 2009, is currently onboard a helicopter heading to the Indian city of Agartala, according to BBC Bengali.
The resignation comes amid escalating unrest in the capital, Dhaka, where thousands of protesters have taken to the streets, demanding her resignation.
The protests, which began last month as a student-led movement to abolish quotas in civil service jobs, have transformed into a broader anti-government uprising.
Clashes between police and protesters have left at least 90 people dead in the past day alone, with reports indicating that some demonstrators have stormed Hasina’s official residence.
Over the past month, approximately 300 people have been killed as authorities cracked down on the growing anti-government protests.
The unrest reflects widespread dissatisfaction with Hasina’s administration and calls for significant political change.
In response to the crisis, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has addressed the nation in a televised speech.
He announced that an interim government would be formed and stated his intention to meet with President Mohammed Shahabuddin to find a solution by the end of the day.
General Waker-Uz-Zaman also mentioned that he had already spoken with opposition political parties, though it remains unclear who will head the interim government.
The army chief vowed to deliver “justice” for all Bangladeshi people, a pledge that resonates with the protesters’ demands following the deaths of hundreds over the past few weeks.
As the situation continues to unfold, the nation waits anxiously to see how the interim government will address the widespread calls for reform and accountability.
