Protests in Dhaka as Sheikh Hasina Resigns and Leaves Bangladesh
On August 5, protests and vandalism broke out in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country. The protests, led by students, demanded an end to a quota system for government jobs and escalated into a broader uprising against Hasina and her ruling Awami League party.
Visuals showed people ransacking Hasina’s official residence and storming the parliament building. Shortly after the 76-year-old leader left in a military helicopter, Bangladesh’s military chief, General Waqar-uz-Zaman, urged protestors to shun violence and announced that an interim government would be formed.
At least 95 people, including 14 police officers, died, and hundreds were injured in clashes. Protesters also set fire to Sudha Sadan, Hasina’s unofficial residence, and vandalized the Chief Justice’s home. Celebrations and protests continued in other parts of Dhaka, with some protestors cheering Hasina’s resignation.
Local media reported that protesters set fire to the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Museum and the Dhaka district office of the Awami League. A statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina’s father, was also vandalized.
Earlier in the day, thousands participated in the ‘Long March to Dhaka’ program, demanding the government’s resignation. Security agencies in India monitored a C-130 aircraft believed to be carrying Hasina and her entourage towards Delhi.
General Waqar-uz-Zaman confirmed Hasina’s resignation and called for peace, urging people to trust the army and avoid conflict. He announced plans for a detailed discussion about forming an interim government.
Doubts Revealed
Dhaka -: Dhaka is the capital city of Bangladesh, a country in South Asia. It’s a very busy and crowded city.
Sheikh Hasina -: Sheikh Hasina is a political leader who was the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. She is known for her long tenure in office.
Bangladesh -: Bangladesh is a country in South Asia, located to the east of India. It has a lot of rivers and is known for its rich culture and history.
government job quota system -: A government job quota system reserves a certain number of jobs for specific groups of people. In Bangladesh, students were protesting against this system.
vandalism -: Vandalism means damaging or destroying property on purpose. In the protests, some people damaged buildings and homes.
Chief Justice -: The Chief Justice is the head judge in a country’s highest court. In Bangladesh, the Chief Justice’s home was vandalized during the protests.
military chief -: The military chief is the top leader of a country’s armed forces. In Bangladesh, General Waqar-uz-Zaman is the military chief.
interim government -: An interim government is a temporary government set up until a new one is elected or formed. It helps maintain order during transitions.
clashes -: Clashes are violent conflicts between groups of people. In the protests, there were clashes between the protesters and the authorities.
