Army takes over Bangladesh, PM Sheikh Hasina flees

In a swift turn of events, the Bangladesh Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina has resigned and reportedly fled the country amid widespread unrest and violent protests that claimed over 400 lives.  In a bid to restore order in the country that was on the boil for the past three months, the army had taken over the reins of administration. The student protests that began over job quota reforms, escalated into deadly clashes, resulting in nearly largescale violence and arson. The protests in Bangladesh began primarily due to widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s job quota policy. This system reserved up to 30% of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh’s war of independence in 1971. Students and other groups felt this system was unfair and demanded its suspension.

The situation escalated when students at Dhaka University clashed with police and were allegedly attacked by the student wing of the ruling Awami League party. The protests, initially focused on the quota system, grew into a broader movement against the government, demanding accountability and the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The violence has resulted in significant number of casualties. The government had imposed curfew and internet restrictions to control the unrest.