Bangladesh Crisis: Sheikh Hasina flees as protests erupt; Khaleda Zia released by President

Following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and escape amid violent protests, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced that the military would set up a caretaker government to restore order. Thousands of protesters looted and vandalized Hasina’s residence and other properties associated with her.

Violence and Government response

Anti-government protests in Bangladesh, which started last Friday, have resulted in at least 300 deaths, including police officers. The unrest began after the high court reinstated a job quota system that had been scrapped by Hasina's government. Protests worsened when Hasina refused to address student demands while legal proceedings were ongoing.

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Hasina arrived in Ghaziabad, India, on a military transport aircraft and is expected to move to London for possible political asylum. Her sister, Rehana, is reportedly with her. In response to the crisis, Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved Parliament and ordered the release of prisoners, including opposition leader Khaleda Zia. Zia, who has been ill, was jailed in 2018 for corruption.

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General Waker-Uz-Zaman pledged to investigate the violence and announced the formation of an interim government. Meanwhile, demonstrators continued their attacks on Hasina’s properties, including her family's ancestral home-turned-museum. 

In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a cabinet meeting to discuss the situation. The United States called for peace and urged the interim government to be inclusive. The World Bank, which has heavily supported Bangladesh, is assessing the situation’s impact on its loan program and remains committed to the country’s development needs.