Sheikh Hasina / Security Lense| News and Media| 05-August-2024
Sheikh Hasina’s departure seems to have defused the high tension in Dhaka, where more deadly protests were anticipated on Monday.
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and fled the country following weeks of violent protests. Her departure on Monday seems to have averted further bloodshed. Now, attention turns to the future leadership of the country. Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced in a national address that an interim government will take over and urged for calm.
After nearly two decades in power, Hasina left Dhaka in a military helicopter amidst massive protests defying a national curfew. Her resignation came after weeks of unrest that resulted in 300 deaths. On Sunday night alone, close to 100 people were killed, leading to the imposition of a curfew. Despite the presence of soldiers on the streets, protesters continued to gather, eventually storming the prime minister’s palace and preventing Hasina from addressing the nation. By early afternoon, news of her departure led to celebrations among the demonstrators.
Reports from Shahbagh Square, the epicenter of the protests, described an unprecedented scene of jubilation. People from all walks of life expressed relief, declaring the end of what they saw as dictatorial rule.
The protests, initially sparked by a controversial government job quota scheme, escalated into a national movement demanding Hasina’s resignation and justice for those killed. The government had tried to suppress the unrest by shutting down universities, imposing a nationwide curfew, and cutting off phone and internet access. However, the protests persisted, and a court ruling to reduce the quotas did little to quell the anger.
General Waker-Uz-Zaman urged the public to trust the army to restore peace and ensure justice for the deaths during the protests. He also announced that representatives from all major political parties had agreed to collaborate with the interim government.
Irene Khan, a UN special rapporteur, emphasized the challenges ahead for Bangladesh, highlighting the need for a peaceful transition and accountability for human rights violations. She stressed the importance of the army respecting human rights during this period of rebuilding.
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