Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country after violent protests threatened her safety, leading to her departure from Dhaka in a military helicopter.
Residence Ransacked
#Bangladesh: Full video of protestors storming PM’s palace in Dhaka. Protestors can be seen inside the office of Sheikh Hasina.pic.twitter.com/I0F0vPJYpY
— Ahmer Khan (@ahmermkhan) August 5, 2024
Thousands of protesters stormed Sheikh Hasina’s official residence, ransacking her chambers and looting personal belongings. Disturbing footage shows the extent of the damage as the angry crowd vandalized the prime ministerial compound.
#BREAKING: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has landed in Agartala, the capital city of Indian state of Tripura as per reports. Agartala is the closest Indian city to Dhaka. Below visuals of Sheikh Hasina along with her sister escaping in a Bangladesh Air Force chopper. pic.twitter.com/JqeDS8BnAy
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) August 5, 2024
Father’s Statue Destroyed
Protesters steal sarees, utensils from Sheikh Hasina’s home in Dhaka pic.twitter.com/nhS2ep1gMD
— Akshita Nandagopal (@Akshita_N) August 5, 2024
Protesters also targeted the statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh’s independence hero and Hasina’s father, causing further outrage and shock.
This is some moment. The statue of Sheikh Mujib, the father of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and the country’s independence leader, is being destroyed. Unfortunately, his reputation (most support him, others not) has been significantly tarnished by association with her… pic.twitter.com/k2SzckJvW3
— David Bergman (@TheDavidBergman) August 5, 2024
Military Intervention
The unrest was sparked by anger over government job and educational quotas, resulting in 106 deaths, including law enforcement personnel, during clashes over two days. In response, Bangladesh’s army chief, Waker-Uz-Zaman, announced on state television that Hasina had resigned and an interim military government would be formed to restore order.
Sheikh Hasina’s Escape
Sheikh Hasina, 76, initially left her residence by motorcade before being flown out of the country. Her destination remains undisclosed.