Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, resigned and fled the country following intense protests that erupted over a job quota system. Demonstrators stormed her official residence in Dhaka, resulting in chaos and reports of looting. Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced that an interim government would take over and pledged to investigate the crackdown on student protesters that resulted in around 440 deaths. “We will investigate all the killings and punish those responsible,” he stated at a press conference.
The mirrors similar movements across the globe over the past 24 years. Here’s a look at nine leaders who were compelled to step down amid public protests in the 21st century:
July 2022: Sri Lanka’s Mahinda Rajapaksa Departs Amid Economic Crisis
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa
In Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned amidst widespread protests over the government’s management of a worsening economic crisis. Demonstrators stormed his house, demanding his resignation as the nation grappled with severe blackouts, food and fuel shortages, and skyrocketing inflation. His resignation followed the imposition of a curfew on the island after violent confrontations between Rajapaksa supporters and anti-government demonstrators in Colombo. The clashes resulted in five deaths, including a ruling party MP, and left over 190 people injured. Sri Lanka defaulted on its $46 billion foreign debt in 2022, worsening the crisis and leading to months of unrest. The International Monetary Fund later provided a $2.9 billion bailout, which included austerity measures. Sri Lanka was experiencing its most severe economic crisis since gaining independence from Britain in 1948.
November 2017: Robert Mugabe Resigns Under Military Pressure
Robert Mugabe
Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe resigned on November 21, 2017, following military intervention and mass protests against his rule. Mugabe’s departure ended his 37-year tenure as President. The military takeover and public demonstrations were fueled by frustration over Mugabe’s leadership and economic mismanagement.
April 2018: Serzh Sargsyan Steps Down After Armenian Protests
Serzh Sargsyan
In Armenia, Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan resigned on April 23, 2018, after 11 days of mass protests. The opposition accused Sargsyan of attempting to extend his power after a decade as president. The protests, which involved significant public and military participation, ultimately forced Sargsyan’s resignation. “The street movement is against my tenure. I am fulfilling your demand,” he declared.
February 2013: Boyko Borisov Resigns Amid Bulgarian Protests
Boyko Borisov
Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov resigned in February 2013 following nationwide protests over high electricity bills and austerity measures. Initially sparked by rising electricity prices, the protests expanded to encompass broader discontent with government corruption and economic hardship. Demonstrators chanted “Mafia” and “Resign,” reflecting widespread frustration with Bulgaria’s political and economic situation.
February 2011: Hosni Mubarak Resigns After Egyptian Protests
Hosni Mubarak
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak resigned on February 11, 2011, after 18 days of mass protests calling for his ouster. Vice-President Omar Suleiman announced Mubarak’s decision to step down and transfer power to the military. The announcement led to celebrations in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, where thousands had gathered. The protests were part of a larger movement against Mubarak’s 30-year rule, driven by demands for political reform and economic justice.
January 2011: Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali Flees Tunisia Amid Protests
Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali
Tunisian President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali stepped down on January 15, 2011, amid widespread protests over economic issues and corruption. Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi assumed the role of interim president, and a state of emergency was declared. Ben Ali fled to Saudi Arabia after France denied his plane landing rights. The protests, driven by high unemployment and rising food prices, led to significant unrest and ultimately forced Ben Ali to relinquish power.
January 2009: Geir Haarde Resigns Amid Iceland’s Banking Crisis
Geir Haarde
Iceland’s Prime Minister Geir Haarde resigned on January 27, 2009, following the collapse of the country’s banking system and currency. Haarde’s government faced violent protests over its handling of the economic crisis. Although he initially planned to stay until early elections, demands for immediate resignation from coalition partners led to the government’s collapse. Haarde’s departure exacerbated the already dire economic situation.
2006: Protests Force King Gyanendra to Leave Nepal
King Gyanendra
In Nepal, mass protests in 2006 led to King Gyanendra Shah being removed from power. The protests, driven by dissatisfaction with the monarchy and the political scenario, ultimately forced Gyanendra’s departure.
February 2005: Lebanon’s Omar Karami Resigns After Protests
Lebanon’s Omar Karami
Lebanese Prime Minister Omar Karami resigned in February 2005 following mass protests over the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. Karami announced his resignation during a parliamentary debate on a no-confidence measure, aiming to prevent the government from obstructing the country’s well-being. The protests, demanding the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon, were a direct response to Hariri’s death, which many attributed to Syria or its supporters.
These events reflect a global trend where leaders have been compelled to resign due to widespread public protests, illustrating the power of collective dissent in shaping political landscapes around the world.
