Bangladesh PM steps down, flees to India on helicopter as protesters storm palace

Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and fled the country amidst ongoing protests.

The longtime leader departed via military helicopter after protesters defied a national curfew to storm the prime minister’s palace in Dhaka on Monday.

The protests have been intense, with nearly 300 people losing their lives over several weeks as authorities attempted to suppress the unrest. The situation escalated on Sunday night, resulting in close to 100 fatalities, and tensions remained high on Monday as protesters planned a march on Dhaka and the army prepared to address the nation.

However, by early afternoon, reports indicated a shift in the atmosphere on the streets, turning celebratory as news of Hasina’s departure spread.

In a televised address, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the Chief of Army Staff, confirmed Hasina’s resignation and announced that an interim government would take over. He urged citizens to trust the army to restore peace in the country.

National television broadcasts showed thousands of people breaking into the prime minister’s official residence and large crowds celebrating in the streets as the news of Hasina’s departure spread.