After 15 years of what has been described as authoritarian rule, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has stepped down from office, sparking celebrations across the country. The resignation came after weeks of protests against quotas for government jobs resulted in the deaths of at least 280 people. General Waker-uz-Zaman, the chief of army staff, announced that an interim government would take over immediately, asking citizens to trust the army to solve all problems and maintain peace.
The protests began in July in response to a job quota scheme that favored descendants of veterans linked to Hasina’s ruling party. The policy was eventually rescinded, but the demonstrations continued as protesters demanded Hasina’s resignation. Critics accused Hasina of muzzling dissent, orchestrating disappearances, and other violations. The deployment of the army against the protesters was seen as a tipping point that led to Hasina’s ouster.
The new government’s formation remains unclear, but Zaman is holding talks with major political parties, including the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Student activists have expressed reluctance to accept military rule. The army has promised to investigate the deaths during the protests and bring justice to the victims.
Meanwhile, Hasina has reportedly fled to India, a strong ally, as thousands of people celebrated her resignation by storming her residence. The future of Bangladesh’s government and the path to democracy remain uncertain as the country transitions away from Hasina’s long-standing leadership.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
