Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina resigned and ran away from the country. Her resignation came due to the ongoing wave of intense protests over the past few weeks.
Why Sheikh Hasina Resigned?
Initially the chaos was sparked by student-led demonstrations against a government job quota system, rapidly increasing into widespread calls for her elimination. As the situation worsened and hundreds were killed, Hasina left for New Delhi in an army helicopter, with her sister.
Bangladesh’s army chief announced the establishment of an interim government in her absence. Although details about structure of this interim government were not given.
International reactions to Hasina’s resignation and the ensuing crisis have been mixed. Opposition leader Tarique Rahman, who lives in exile in the UK, hailed her resignation as a success for the Bangladeshi people. He also called for efforts to remake Bangladesh into a democratic and developed nation.
Europe responds to Sheikh Hasina’s resignation
United Kingdom showed concern over the violence and important loss of life while emphasizing the need to defend the right to peaceful protest and ensure due process for those arrested. Members of the Bangladeshi diaspora celebrated Hasina’s resignation in London and viewing it as a moment of liberation from her autocratic rule.
Germany emphasized the importance of Bangladesh continuing on its democratic path despite the disruption. The European Union called for a peaceful and well ordered transition to democratic governance and focus on the need to respect human rights.
UN & United States react to the situation
The United States praised the Bangladeshi army for its control and urged the establishment of a democratic and inclusive interim government. Similarly, the United Nations emphasized the requirement for a peaceful, democratic transition and called for a transparent inquiry into the recent violence.
Amnesty International censured the Hasina government for its holding of the protests and awareness about the dangers of defense rule. They also emphasized that any interim governance should be impermanent.
Sheikh Hasina fled to India
As Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to New Delhi, India has not officially commented on Hasina’s resignation. Indian authorities issued a high alert along its border with Bangladesh considering the close ties between Modi’s government and the former Awami League management.
Other countries like Sri Lanka and Russia showed their aspiration for a rapid return to peace, solidity, and constitutional governance in Bangladesh.
