Bangladesh in turmoil: Prime minister flees amid mass protests
The Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina Wajed, has resigned and is on her way to India with her sister, reports the BBC. A few minutes before her departure, protesters broke into her residence in Dhaka, which is currently being looted. The country awaits a speech from the head of the army.
Bangladesh's Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina Wajed, has resigned and fled the country with her sister. Hasina, who has ruled Bangladesh since 2009, is on board a helicopter flying to Agartala.
Prime minister overthrown. Army chief confirms
The commander of the Bangladeshi army addressed the nation. He confirmed that Sheikh Hasina had fled. Waker-uz-Zaman stated that an interim government would be formed. He added that he intends to meet with President Mohammed Shahabuddin and hopes that a "solution" will be found by the end of the day.
The army commander said he had already spoken with opposition political parties in the country. It is not clear who will lead the government.
Waker-uz-Zaman also promised "justice" for all citizens of Bangladesh – this is something the protesters have been demanding after the deaths of hundreds of people in the past few weeks.
Broke into the residence. Prime minister escapes
A few minutes before Hasina's escape, protesters broke into the residence in Dhaka. According to the BBC, the residence is currently being looted. Furniture and chairs are being taken from the building.
The BBC correspondent in Dhaka describes today's events as a "historic moment" for Bangladesh. Akbar Hossein from BBC Bangla in the capital reported a mass uprising in Bangladesh: tens of thousands of people took to the streets, and there was sudden news that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had left the official residence.
In the recordings, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh is said to be visible along with her sister and top officials, who are escaping from the protesters.
Massacre in the capital
The total number of fatalities during the anti-government protests that have been ongoing in Bangladesh since July has reached at least 300; 94 people were killed in Sunday's clashes with the police and members of the ruling party - reported AFP, based on police and medical sources.
