Bangladesh Protests: Sheikh Hasina Leaves Capital, Resignation A ‘Possibility’
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and left the capital amid massive protests, said Reuters. It has been reported that Hasina, along with her sister, departed from the premier’s official residence, Gano Bhaban, for a safer location. Reportedly, Hasina was given an ultimatum of 45 minutes to resign by the army. Reports suggest that she might land in Agartala, India.
Agartala denied news of any helicopter landing in the territory.
In a press briefing, the army said that “Business will continue as usual and interim government will be formed by army. The armed forces will take all decisions. I take all responsibility”. Waker-Uz-Zaman calls an end to the violent protests.
He has vowed to “stop the murders,” “stop the violence,” and “bring peace back to the country. He pleaded with citizens to “listen” and “work” with army forces. He confirmed that a political transition is underway, and stated he has met officials from the BNP, Jatiya and Jamaat-e-Islami parties.
According to reports, before leaving the official residence, Hasina intended to record a speech addressing the nation but was unable to do so. Earlier today, Hasina’s son has urged the security forces in the country to block any takeover from her rule.
Bangladesh’s Channel 24 broadcast images of crowds running into the premier’s official residence in the capital, waving to the camera as they celebrated.
Meanwhile, amid rumors of an Army coup in the South Asian country, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the public relations division of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, confirmed that the Chief of Army Staff, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, will address the nation. The ISPR has announced that the address will take place at around 4 p.m. local time on Monday. The army chief has urged citizens to remain patient until then.
Reportedly, Waker-Uz-Zaman has cancelled the planned and talk and is now meeting with major political parties in the country, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)
Local TV channels showed protesters storming the Gano Bhaban, overturning furniture, glass doors, and taking away different items.
