Bangladesh slides into chaos: Hasina flees country, army says interim govt to take over

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh in a military aircraft amid chaos and landed in India, while the army took over the power vacuum. Anti-government protests erupted due to the controversial job quota system, leading to more than 100 deaths.

Following Hasina’s departure, her residence was ransacked by angry protesters. The army announced her resignation and stated that an interim government would take over.

Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman also assured the public that the army and police were instructed not to use firearms and urged protesters to stop the violence.

The President announced the dissolution of the parliament and the formation of an interim government, in addition to the release of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

Hasina landed in India at the Hindon airbase near New Delhi, where she was met by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefed about the situation in Bangladesh and also attended a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security.

It was reported that Hasina planned to go to London but faced unexpected issues and uncertainty. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy called for a UN-led investigation into recent events in Bangladesh.