By T. Jayani, JadeTimes News
Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned after weeks of deadly anti government protests, ending her over two decade long dominance in the country's political arena. At 76, Hasina fled to India on Monday, following her resignation.
Her departure sparked widespread celebrations, with jubilant crowds taking to the streets and some even storming the prime ministerial palace, looting and vandalising parts of her former residence. In the aftermath, President Mohammed Shahabuddin ordered the release of jailed former prime minister Khaleda Zia and all students detained during recent protests against a government job quota system.
Protesters attempted to dismantle a statue of Hasina's father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in Dhaka, where police and other government buildings were attacked and set on fire. Mobile phone services were disrupted for several hours as army and police units were deployed across the city. The death toll from Monday’s violence is unclear, with reports ranging from 66 to 135 casualties.
Hasina's exit leaves a significant power vacuum in Bangladeshi politics, historically defined by the rivalry between her Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. The country, which has seen several military coups, most recently in 2007, is now under an interim government that will oversee new elections. The US praised the army for its "restraint" and called for the formation of an interim government, while the EU urged a peaceful transition to a democratically elected government. India has not officially responded to the events.
Economist Debapriya Bhattacharya highlighted the immediate challenges faced by the new authorities, including escalating attacks on the Hindu minority. He noted the perception that India fully supported Hasina's government, which has led to increased attacks on Hindu temples and individuals. Bhattacharya stressed the need for the new government to protect religious minorities and maintain law and order.
Hasina's allies have indicated that she will not return to politics. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, expressed his family's disillusionment with the political situation, citing the opposition from a minority after Hasina's extensive efforts to transform Bangladesh. He defended her legacy, stating that she had significantly improved the country's status, transforming it from a failing state to one of Asia's rising economies.
Protests over a quota system for government jobs, which reserved a third of civil service positions for descendants of veterans from the 1971 independence war, have led to about 300 deaths over the past month. The protests, initially sparked by job quotas, evolved into a broader anti government movement, reflecting widespread frustration among the youth over high unemployment rates and perceived one party rule.
Despite the Supreme Court's decision to scale back the quotas, protests continued, demanding justice for those killed and injured, along with Hasina's resignation. Bhattacharya noted that protesters now expect the new government to implement democratic reforms, improve job prospects, and enhance the education system.
