Hasina Overthrown: Bangladesh Explodes into Violent Chaos

After being in power for over fifteen years, Bangladesh Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina fled the country due to a month-long protest which included the deaths of over 300 people.

The things quickly escalated after a month of mass protests happened, protesting against the autocratic rule of the former Bangladesh Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina. She had to flee her country on 5th August as thousands of protestors stormed her residence in Dhaka, to the neighbouring country, India.

The things have been heated up since several weeks, but she held on to the power, fighting for it. During this time, a total of over 440 people were killed as the state forces tried to supress the protests and unrest. She had to flee once she lost the support of her nation's army and this was followed by outbreaks of violence and looting.

To suppress the violence & chaos and bring everything under control, the Army chief has announced that an interim government will step up, until a new government is elected. They have announced that the immediate priority is to suppress the killings and unrest, either from the protestors of from the groups loyal to Hasina and her party, The Awami League. The New government will have the additional burden of regaining the trust of people and rebuilding the democracy, which has eroded over the last few years.

The protests have erupted in the early July, when students began agitating against the 'quotas' implemented for Government jobs. The protests erupted at such a time when the economy was at its lowest, mostly due to mismanagement and corruption. The government of Hasina has become authoritarian over the last 15 years and the people were fed up that they revolted against the government disregarding the concern for their own lives. During these protests, at least 440 people were killed and thousands were wounded, since July 16. In January 2024, Sheik Hasina claimed her fourth consecutive term through a deeply-flawed elections. But, the lack of support for her was clear since the opposition party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), boycotted the vote and the turnout was low.