Sheikh Hasina’s departure sparks both celebrations and looting in the streets of the capital city
, Sheikh Hasina, has resigned and left the country, the head of the army has confirmed, amid some of the worst violence since the birth of the south Asian country more than 50 years ago.
Hasina, 76, who has ruled Bangladesh since 2009, left by helicopter, a source close to the leader told Agence France-Presse news agency shortly after protesters had stormed her palace in the capital, Dhaka. Hasina’s government was accused by rights groups of misusing state institutions to entrench its hold on power and stamp out dissent, including through the killing of opposition activists.
The demonstrations escalated despite the scheme having been scaled back by Bangladesh’s top court. The anti-government movement had attracted people from across society – including actors, musicians and singers – in the south Asian country of about 170 million people.A curfew was put in place on Monday and offices and factories were closed but protesters have still taken to the streets. Bangladeshi TV channels showed jubilant demonstrators dancing and chanting at locations across Dhaka.
The celebrations have in some places turned unruly, with thousands raiding the prime minister’s residence and seen looting items, including vegetables from the gardens and live fish from the ponds in the grounds. Cars could be seen burning inside the compound. There has been vandalism on several offices of Hasina’s party, the Awami League, across the capital city, with at least one being set on fire. Looting was continuing last night with some angry exchanges between police and crowds.
“These are the heroes and heroines,” he said, referring to protesting students. “We had a crazy dictator. What we are now concerned about is who will benefit from this revolution? And that, in fact, is what we are watching - a revolution.”
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