Dhaka, Bangladesh — The crisis in Bangladesh has intensified following the resignation and departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amidst violent anti-government protests. Hours after Hasina fled the country, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced that the military would form a caretaker government to restore peace and order.

Background of the Crisis

The turmoil erupted when protests reignited over a court decision reinstating a controversial quota system for government jobs, which reserves 30% of positions for families of veterans from the 1971 war of independence. Hasina’s government had scrapped the quota in 2018, but the high court’s reinstatement last month led to widespread unrest. The Supreme Court suspended the high court’s order after an appeal from the government, with a hearing set for August 7. Hasina’s refusal to meet student demands further fueled the protests.

People waves Bangladeshi flag as they celebrate the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka, Bangladesh(REUTERS)  

Violent Protests and Casualties

Following her resignation on Monday, thousands of demonstrators stormed and looted her official residence and other properties linked to her party and family. At least 300 people, including police officers, have died during the renewed protests, which began on Friday.

Sheikh Hasina’s Departure

Sheikh Hasina, who ended her 15-year rule, arrived at Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, on a C-130 transport aircraft and is expected to head to London, where she may seek political asylum. Her sister Rehana, a UK citizen, is accompanying her. Currently, Hasina has been moved to a safe house in India.

Military’s Response

General Waker-Uz-Zaman, who assumed his position as army chief on June 23, pledged that all deaths and acts of injustice during the protests would be investigated. “The country has suffered a lot, the economy has been hit, many people have been killed – it is time to stop the violence,” he stated. Jubilant crowds had earlier stormed and looted Hasina’s official residence following the announcement of her resignation.

Political Developments

President Mohammed Shahabuddin announced the dissolution of the Parliament, which was formed after elections in January this year. He also ordered the release of prisoners from the protests, including former prime minister and key opposition leader Khaleda Zia, who is in poor health and was jailed by Hasina in 2018 for graft.

Formation of Interim Government

Late on Monday, the President and the army chief, along with key opposition leaders, met with Shahabuddin’s press team and announced the decision to form an interim government immediately. Despite these developments, thousands of protesters continued to gather at Hasina’s residence and other locations, causing significant damage. They also ransacked Hasina’s family’s ancestral home-turned-museum, where her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman — the country’s first president and independence leader — was assassinated.

International Reactions

In response to the crisis, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a cabinet meeting to discuss the situation in Bangladesh. The United States called for calm and urged the interim government formation process to be democratic and inclusive. The White House and the US Department of State both separately encouraged all parties to refrain from further violence and restore peace as quickly as possible.

Economic Impact

The World Bank is assessing the impact of the events in Bangladesh on its loan program with the country. “We mourn the violence and tragic loss of life that has taken place in recent weeks in Bangladesh and hope for a swift and peaceful resolution. We are assessing the impact of the unfolding situation on the World Bank Group program and remain committed to supporting the development aspirations of the people of Bangladesh,” a spokesperson said. The World Bank has committed about $41 billion in grants and interest-free credits to Bangladesh since its independence.

Conclusion

As Bangladesh faces this tumultuous period, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that brings stability and peace to the nation.