Mass Protests Force Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Flee Bangladesh: Widespread Violence and Vandalism Follow

An irate mob vandalised the statue of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman after his daughter, the current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, fled the country. The embattled leader left following massive protests demanding her resignation on Monday.

The unrest reached a fever pitch as thousands of Bangladeshi protesters defied a government-imposed curfew and stormed the Prime Minister’s palace in Dhaka. The news of Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and departure from the country triggered jubilant celebrations among the demonstrators. Waving flags and chanting slogans, the crowds took to the streets in the capital city.

The situation escalated further when hundreds of protesters broke through the gates of Sheikh Hasina’s official residence. In an act of defiance, the mob vandalised a statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, her father and the founding leader of Bangladesh.

Despite efforts by soldiers and police to maintain order, the sheer number of protesters overwhelmed the security forces. Armoured vehicles and barricades lined the routes to Hasina’s office, but these measures proved futile. AFP reporters on the ground described scenes of chaos as vast crowds flooded the streets, tearing down barbed wire barriers.

Local media estimated that as many as 400,000 protesters were involved in the demonstrations, although this figure remains unverified. The mass mobilization reflected widespread discontent and frustration with Hasina’s government.

The violence that erupted during the protests led to significant casualties. At least 98 people were killed in a single day, including 14 police officers, marking the deadliest day of unrest. This brings the total number of fatalities since the protests began in early July to at least 300.

Initially sparked by rallies against civil service job quotas, the protests quickly morphed into a broader movement calling for Hasina’s resignation. The unrest has become one of the most severe challenges to her 15-year rule. The 76-year-old leader has faced mounting pressure as public dissatisfaction has grown.

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