Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left her position and fled to India on Monday after 15 years in power.
– The 76-year-old Hasina had become increasingly authoritarian, with a history of arrests, disappearances, and extra-judicial killings of political opponents.
– The recent protests were sparked by a Supreme Court ruling that reinstated a 30% job quota for descendants of Bangladesh’s independence fighters.
– At least 300 people have died in clashes between police and protesters.
– The protests intensified after violent attacks by the Bangladesh Chatra League, the student wing of Hasina’s Awami League, and government internet shutdowns.
– On Monday, protesters stormed Hasina’s official residence, prompting her to leave the country.
– General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the army chief, announced that he was temporarily taking control and promised a peaceful transition of power.
– President Mohammed Shahabuddin announced that parliament would be dissolved and fresh elections held as soon as possible.
– Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been proposed to lead the interim government, while former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has been freed from house arrest.
– Since its independence in 1971, Bangladesh has faced over 20 coups or coup attempts, with the military historically holding significant political power.
Bangladesh Feminist Archives 