Bangladesh PM resigns and flees country as protesters storm palace | BBC News

Summary

Breaking news from Bangladesh reports the Prime Minister, Sheik Hina, has resigned and fled the country amid mass protests. Thousands stormed her residence, celebrating her departure after violent clashes resulted in numerous deaths. The country now faces uncertainty as the authoritarian leader's resignation marks a dramatic shift in power, raising questions about the future of governance and potential power vacuums.

Takeaways

• 📢 The Bangladesh Prime Minister, Sheik Hina, has reportedly resigned and left the country with her destination unknown.
• 🏠 Thousands of people stormed the Prime Minister's residence, leading to her resignation and departure.
• 🌐 Access to the country for foreign journalists has been restricted, leading to reliance on freelance journalists for on-the-ground reporting.
• 🎉 There are reports of celebrations in the streets, with people hugging and exchanging garlands, indicating a sense of victory following the Prime Minister's resignation.
• 🇧🇩 The resignation is a dramatic turn of events for Bangladesh, especially considering Sheik Hina had won her fourth term earlier in the year.
• 🏛 The recent elections in Bangladesh were questioned for their legitimacy due to the main opposition party not participating and crackdowns on other opposition members.
• 🚨 The protests escalated from student-led demonstrations against civil job quotas to a broader anti-government movement demanding Sheik Hina's removal from power.
• 🛑 The ruling government labeled the protesters as terrorists and accused them of operating on behalf of opposition parties.
• 💥 The protests have been met with severe police crackdowns, resulting in the death of at least 300 people over the last month.
• 🏛️ The Prime Minister's residence has been looted and vandalized, with people taking furniture and other items from the premises.
• 🕊️ The situation is being framed as a victory for democracy and a significant moment in Bangladesh's political history, potentially marking the end of Sheik Hina's authoritarian rule since 2009.

Q & A

What is the breaking news from Bangladesh?

The Prime Minister of Bangladesh has reportedly resigned and left the country, with her destination unknown.

What triggered the resignation of the Prime Minister?

Thousands of people stormed the Prime Minister's residence, leading to her resignation amidst ongoing protests.

Why are foreign journalists unable to provide firsthand accounts from Bangladesh?

Many foreign journalists have been unable to enter the country due to the lack of visas being granted, leading to reliance on freelance journalists within the country.

What was the initial cause of the protests in Bangladesh?

The protests started as a student-led movement demanding an end to quotas for civil government jobs, which later expanded into a broader anti-government movement.

How has the government responded to the protests?

The ruling government has labeled the protesters as terrorists and accused them of operating on behalf of opposition parties.

What was the outcome of the recent elections in Bangladesh?

The recent elections were won by Prime Minister Sheik Hina for her fourth term, but they were marred by controversy and questions about their legitimacy due to the main opposition party not contesting.

What is the significance of the Prime Minister's resignation for Bangladesh's political landscape?

The resignation marks a dramatic turn of events, potentially signaling a shift in power and raising questions about the future of democracy and governance in Bangladesh.

What was the death toll during the protests?

At least 90 people were killed, and hundreds more injured in clashes between police and anti-government protesters, including at least 13 police officers.

What is the current atmosphere among the protesters following the Prime Minister's resignation?

There is a sense of celebration and jubilation among the protesters, with people hugging and exchanging garlands in the streets.

What are the implications of the Prime Minister's departure for the stability of the country?

The departure raises concerns about a potential power vacuum and the possibility of the military stepping in to maintain order until a new government can be formed.

What is the current situation regarding the Prime Minister's residence after her departure?

People are seen looting and taking items from the residence, indicating a breakdown in security and order following the Prime Minister's resignation.