Bangladesh PM Hasina resigns, flees to India amid protests: Report
What's the story
Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and left the country for a "safer location," reportedly accompanied by her sister the BBC reported.
This comes as thousands of protesters are on their way to storm her official residence in the capital, Dhaka.
The student protest—ongoing since July—began with calls to abolish civil service job quotas but has since evolved into a broader anti-government movement.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The protests in Bangladesh are rooted in a contentious quota system that allocates up to 30% of government jobs to the relatives of veterans from Bangladesh's 1971 independence war.
Protesters argue that this system is discriminatory and favors Prime Minister Hasina's Awami League party, calling for a merit-based system instead.
Flees country
Hasina on way to India: Report
Hasina, who has led Bangladesh since 2009, is onboard a helicopter en route to Agartala, Tripura, several reports said.
Notably, the protests in Bangladesh escalated significantly over the weekend.
On Sunday, at least 90 people were killed and hundreds were injured in clashes between police and tens of thousands of anti-government demonstrators.
Protests
Houses of public representatives attacked
In 39 districts, houses of public representatives, 20 Awami League offices, police stations, and other government buildings were attacked, vandalized, and set on fire.
Clashes also occurred between protesters and Awami League leaders in several areas.
Additionally, residences and offices of ruling party ministers, state ministers, parliamentarians, and Awami League leaders were vandalized in at least 14 locations.
Nationwide violence
Demonstrators block major highways
Demonstrators also blocked major highways and launched a non-cooperation campaign, escalating nationwide violence.
Police stations and ruling party offices were targeted, with reports of intense clashes and significant casualties.
In Sirajganj, thirteen policemen were beaten to death, and two lawmakers' homes were set ablaze.
Vandlism
Unrest spreads across Bangladesh
The unrest spread beyond Dhaka, reaching Munsiganj, where two construction workers were killed and 30 injured in clashes involving protesters, police, and ruling party activists.
Further violence in Pabna, Feni, Lakshmipur, Narsingdi, Rangpur, and Magura led to additional casualties.
In Dhaka, a hospital was vandalized, and four garment factories were set on fire.
Government crackdown
Curfew, internet suspended in Bangladesh
In response, the government imposed an indefinite nationwide curfew starting at 6:00pm on Sunday, marking the first such measure during the current protests.
A three-day general holiday was also declared from Monday.
Additionally, internet services were suspended, with telecom providers instructed to disable 4G services, effectively cutting off internet access.
Advisory
India issues advisory for its citizens in Bangladesh
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Bangladesh issued an advisory on Sunday urging Indian nationals to "remain alert" and provided a helpline for emergencies.
Last month, over 1,000 Indian nationals, primarily students, returned home via land borders or flights following violent protests over job quotas that resulted in over 200 deaths.