Bangladesh PM Hasina has resigned and left the country: Reports

Summary

In Bangladesh, widespread unrest has led to at least 97 deaths amid protests against the government's job quota system. Students are marching to the capital, Dhaka, demanding justice for the 300 killed since last month. An indefinite curfew, internet blackout, and closure of offices and factories have been imposed. Rumors of Prime Minister Hena's resignation are circulating, with the Army Chief set to address the nation. The military's role is pivotal, as they are seen as a neutral force amidst the crisis. The situation is tense, with the public awaiting official announcements and potential political changes.

Takeaways

• 😐 The Army Chief of Bangladesh is scheduled to address the nation during a time of widespread unrest and political uncertainty.
• 🚨 At least 97 people were killed on Sunday due to violence between government supporters and those demanding the Prime Minister's resignation.
• 📚 Students are marching to the capital, Dhaka, to demand justice for the 300 people killed since last month over a controversial job quota system.
• 🚨 An indefinite curfew has been imposed, the internet is cut off, and offices and factories are closed in response to the protests.
• 📉 The job quota system, which initially favored children of war veterans, has been scaled down by the country's top court.
• 🗣️ There are unverified rumors that Prime Minister Hena might resign, with the Army Chief's delayed speech heightening speculation.
• 👥 Tens of thousands of people, mostly students, are out on the streets of Dhaka, celebrating and awaiting the Army Chief's announcement.
• 🏢 The Army is historically crucial for the Prime Minister's power, and its current neutral stance is seen as a sign of potential change.
• 🌐 The internet was shut down and then restored, indicating a shift in the government's approach to the protests.
• 🎉 The protesters are celebrating in the streets, believing that the Prime Minister has either left the country or will soon resign.
• 🏛️ Political analysts suggest that the Prime Minister's resignation would be a significant and unprecedented event in Bangladesh's history.

Q & A

What is the current situation in Bangladesh that has led to widespread unrest?

Widespread unrest in Bangladesh is due to a controversial job quota system that favored children of war veterans, which was reinstated by the high court and later scaled down by the country's top court. This has led to violent clashes between government supporters and those demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Hena, resulting in numerous deaths.

How many people were reported dead due to the violence on Sunday?

At least 97 people were reported killed during the violence on Sunday.

What is the current status of the job quota system that initially sparked the protests?

The job quota system, which was controversial and favored children of war veterans, has since been scaled down by the country's top court in response to the protests.

What measures have been taken by the government to control the situation?

An indefinite curfew has been put in place, the internet has been cut off, and offices and factories have been closed to control the situation.

What is the significance of the Army Chief's address to the nation?

The Army Chief's address to the nation is significant as it comes at a time of crisis and is expected to provide updates or decisions regarding the current political unrest.

What are the speculations about Prime Minister Hena's status?

There are rumors and speculations that Prime Minister Hena might resign or has already left the country, but these have not been officially confirmed.

Why is the Army considered crucial for Hena's stay in power?

The Army is historically very crucial in Bangladeshi politics. People generally trust the Army as a neutral body that can handle crises, and they have confidence that the Army will manage the situation in a neutral and proper manner.

What is the current mood on the streets of Daka?

The current mood on the streets of Daka is one of celebration, with thousands of people, including students and families, out on the streets, taking the streets as a sign that Hena may have resigned or left the country.

What is the role of the students in the current protests?

Students began the protests last month against the job quota system and have been at the forefront of the demonstrations, with tens of thousands of them participating in the capital city.

What does the change in the Army's behavior towards protesters indicate?

The change in the Army's behavior, from cracking down on protesters to allowing them to gather and celebrate, indicates that there may have been a significant shift in the government or a major event that has yet to be officially announced.

What are the implications of Hena's potential resignation for Bangladesh?

Hena's potential resignation would be a significant and unprecedented event in Bangladesh, marking a potential victory for the protesters and a possible turning point for democracy in the country.

Outlines

00:00

🏛 Unrest and Speculation in Bangladesh

The nation of Bangladesh is gripped by widespread unrest as the Army Chief is set to address the nation amidst a backdrop of escalating violence and political turmoil. At least 97 people were reported dead during clashes between government supporters and opposition demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister. An indefinite curfew has been imposed, internet access is cut off, and businesses are closed. Students are marching to the capital, Dhaka, to seek justice for the 300 lives lost since the beginning of the protests. The protests were sparked by the reinstatement of a controversial job quota system favoring the children of war veterans, which has since been scaled back by the country's top court. Rumors circulate that the Prime Minister may resign, and the Army's role is pivotal as they are historically seen as a neutral body capable of managing crises. The situation is tense, with the Army Chief's postponed speech heightening anticipation and speculation among the public.

05:00

📢 Shift in Power Dynamics and Public Celebration

In a dramatic turn of events, authorities have ceased their violent crackdown on protesters, signaling a potential shift in power dynamics within Bangladesh. The streets are filled with celebratory protesters, who believe that their demands for justice and change have been heard. The internet, previously shut down, has been restored, and there is no longer any repression of the protesters. Political analyst M. Bashar Hassan suggests that the Prime Minister is likely to resign, marking an unprecedented moment in Bangladesh's history. The significance of this potential resignation is immense, given the scale of human rights violations and extrajudicial killings that have occurred under the current administration. The expectation is that an interim government will be introduced, with the hope that it will pave the way for free and fair elections and a new democratic administration.

10:01

👀 Anticipation for Army Chief's Address

The nation eagerly awaits the Army Chief's address, which is expected to shed light on the unfolding political situation. The anticipation is palpable, with the public and media closely monitoring the developments. The address is crucial as it may contain official announcements regarding the Prime Minister's status and the future of the government. The public's reaction to the Army's recent non-intervention in the protests and their acceptance of flowers from the students indicate a change in the relationship between the military and civilians. The Army's role is seen as increasingly important in navigating the country through this period of uncertainty and potential transition.

Keywords

💡Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a South Asian country known for its rich cultural heritage and dense population. In the context of the video, it is the setting for widespread unrest and protests, with the script mentioning the Army Chief addressing the nation amidst this turmoil.

💡Unrest

Unrest refers to a state of disorder or agitation, often due to political or social issues. The script describes widespread unrest in Bangladesh, with the death toll rising due to violence between government supporters and protesters demanding change.

💡Curfew

A curfew is a regulation requiring people to remain off the streets during certain hours. The script mentions an indefinite curfew being imposed in Bangladesh to control the escalating violence.

💡Internet Cut-off

An internet cut-off refers to the deliberate disruption of internet services, often as a means of control during civil unrest. The script notes that the internet has been cut off in Bangladesh, indicating attempts to limit communication and information flow among protesters.

💡Job Quota System

A job quota system is a policy that reserves a certain number of jobs for specific groups, often to address historical inequalities. The script discusses a controversial job quota system in Bangladesh that favored children of war veterans, which sparked student protests.

💡Student Protest

A student protest is a demonstration or organized resistance by students, often against government policies or social issues. The script highlights the role of students in initiating protests against the job quota system and demanding justice for those killed.

💡Resignation

Resignation is the act of formally stepping down from a position, often due to pressure or loss of support. The script speculates about the possibility of the Prime Minister resigning amidst the protests and unrest.

💡Army Chief

The Army Chief is the highest-ranking officer in an army, often with significant influence over national security and defense matters. The script mentions the Army Chief's scheduled televised speech, indicating a pivotal role in the unfolding political situation.

💡Interim Government

An interim government is a temporary administration that holds power until a permanent government can be established, often following a crisis or transition. The script suggests that an interim government might be formed following the current political upheaval.

💡Extrajudicial Killings

Extrajudicial killings refer to the killing of individuals by law enforcement or other government agents without the sanction of a proper legal trial. The script cites a history of extrajudicial killings in Bangladesh, contributing to the current climate of protest and unrest.

💡Democracy

Democracy is a system of government where power is vested in the people, who exercise it directly or through elected representatives. The script discusses the importance of democratic processes and the desire of protesters for a fair and democratic administration.

Highlights

Fast moving developments in Bangladesh with the Army Chief due to address the nation during widespread unrest.

At least 97 people killed during violence between government supporters and opposition on Sunday.

Students marching on the capital, Daka, demanding justice for 300 people killed since last month.

Indefinite curfew imposed, internet cut off, and offices and factories closed.

Protests began over a controversial job quota system reinstated by the high court, later scaled down by the top court.

Reports of a possibility that Prime Minister Hena might resign.

Entire city on the streets, speculation of Hena leaving the country or resigning.

Army Chief's televised speech postponed, increasing anticipation for details.

Historically crucial role of the Army in Bangladeshi politics and public confidence in their neutrality.

Students celebrating, believing Hena has left or will soon leave, with the government likely falling.

Change in the last few hours from police cracking down to the Army not interfering with protests.

Protesters on the streets despite curfew, celebrating before any formal announcement.

Analyst suggests Hena's resignation would be a significant, unprecedented event for Bangladesh.

Extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances under Hena's regime, marking a dark period in Bangladesh's history.

Potential for an interim government and the importance of fair elections for the protesters.

The student movement's rapid spread and the diverse demographics of the protesters.

Analyst's view on the democratic resilience and courage of the Bangladeshi people.

Transcripts

we begin with fast moving developments

out of Bangladesh the Army Chief is due

to address the nation this hour at a

time of widespread unrest and deaths on

Sunday at least 97 people were killed

during violence between government

supporters and those who want her out

students are Marching on the capital

Daka to demand Justice for 300 people

killed since last month an indefinite

curfew has been put in place the

internet has been cut off and offices

and factories closed students began

protesting last month when a

controversial job quota system that

favored children of War veterans was

reinstated by the high court now that

has since been scaled down by the

country's top

Court well for the latest we're going to

go now to tenier who is live for us in

Daka and T we're getting reports that

there's actually a possibility that Hena

might resign what are you hearing

there well you can see behind me maybe

the not the whole crowd the entire city

is out on the street the speculation and

the Rumor has that she has left the

country we cannot independently verify

anything like that the Army Chief was

supposed to give a televised speech at 2

p.m. local time which is 8 GMT but he

postponed it till 3:00 p.m. which is 9

GMT we'll know more details then but

nothing officially announced but

everybody in the streets every corner of

the city thousands of people are out we

are near to the shabar square which is

the Epic Center of student protest

there's I don't know the number of

people it's just un I've never seen

anything like that in the capital city

of protest tens of thousands of mostly

students public you know even family

people with the children out celebrating

practically they have taken for sure

that she is either left the country

resign or she may soon be leaving and

the Govern most likely is in a fallen or

steep down and the Army will decide

what's the next step probably an interm

government with the caretaker type

government for the intern period we'll

know more in details maybe after 9 GMT

local time but at this point the main

story is the

celebration your T sorry to interrupt as

you say we're waiting for uh the Army

Chief to speak uh shortly anytime now

can you just give us an idea of how

crucial uh the Army is actually for Hena

to stay in power if she loses them does

she lose the Prime Minister

[Music]

ship historically very crucial because

Army played a role

in I'm sorry people are excited

here guys please I know you're excited

historically Army played role in the

politics of Bangladesh people generally

love the army they think they're a

neutral body in times of Crisis they can

handle situation and what we saw in the

past several weeks the violence and

everything they have confidence on the

army that can manage the situation and

the Army doesn't want to be the enemy of

the people and that's why people have

confidence the Army will control the

situation in a neutral and proper manner

every lives will be saved properties

will be saved so this is what they're

saying in just about an hour ago the

students were hanging out flowers to the

Troops the military troops you know

about 4 hours back the police were still

cracking down on students in the

University campuses they're firing

rounds you know people were injured you

know some probably fatally but that all

thing is over and people are relieved

that this brutal Crackdown for past

several weeks is finally over and that

they can look for a new future yeah t

you mentioning that just the change in

the last few hours from uh the Army and

police shooting

at protesters and now we see these

protesters even though there is still a

curfew in place there on the streets

that they've come out and force and as

you say are celebrating before we've had

any formal announcement from either the

army or the Prime

[Music]

Minister yeah absolutely I mean that's

kind of surprised me people heard rumors

people heard all kind of stories and the

fact that the Army Chief was which very

rarely happens going to address the

nation they knew some sort of changes

are in the foreground and because a lot

of students started coming to the

shabbach square the Army didn't

interfere rather they allowed them to

gather and were embracing the students

when they handed out the flowers that

gave the signal that something must have

happened because they're not doing

anything but the police left the area

you don't see hardly any police in the

city you know it's mostly army or

nothing at all it's mostly taken over by

the general population the students and

everyone is out in the street but it is

still based on speculation we cannot

independently confirm anything that

happened behind the scene what's going

on behind in the government sector but

it is likely something major has

happened otherwise you wouldn't see

what's going on and we won't know till

the Army address and there's some

official announcement yes thanks so much

uh tanier we're waiting for the Army

Chief to speak uh any minute now that's

tanier chowri on the streets of deca for

us we're going to stay with this story

and go to mbasha Hassan who is a

political analyst and author of

narratives of Bangladesh he's joining us

live from Sydney thanks very much for

being with us first of all what do you

make of just the change that we have

seen in the last few hours from

authorities shooting at protesters to

now protesters clearly out in numbers on

the street celebrating before we've

heard really any decision so

far so I I think this is I think

she uh it's most likely that she's going

to resign if she is not already resigned

um the internet was shut down and then

restored and there was not uh any

repression on the protesters so these

all

indicates that it is a win for the

protesters and democracy in Bangladesh

it is a incredible amount of uh

happiness all across the world because a

Tiant has been

Fallen as you say in your words a tyrant

has fallen I mean just how significant

would her resignation be just how

unprecedented is this for

Bangladesh we haven't heard this level

of repression we haven't faced this

level of human rights violation in

Bangladesh Bangladesh history by any

prime minister so to give you some

context from 2009 to

2022 about 2,500 bangladeshis are extra

judicially killed

over 500 bangladeshis are Force were

forcefully disappear and in just few

last few weeks probably over thousand

people are dead so it is a significant

waterers shed moment in Bangladesh as a

history and you'll see once this news

will break out there will there will be

happiness all around the country as our

government as our correspondent alluded

to an interim government uh is is likely

uh to be introduced here how soon could

we expect elections for a new Democratic

Administration and I guess how important

will that be for the protesters that

have taken to the

streets so I think whoever is going to

come into the power they would need

to um do some reconciliation process and

make sure that there is a fre and fair

elections otherwise this protester will

take the streets again and we what we

have learned from past few weeks that

these protesters are very conscious

they're very democratically conscious

and they appreciat freedom and they

don't they don't worry to put their life

on the line for freedom and democracy

and it is an incredible

generation and extraordinary future I

hope are waiting for

Bangladesh the started as a student

movement student protest but it very

quickly spread to Encompass so many more

different uh people from different walks

of life uh than just students were you

surprised by that and was that the

difference uh between uh what we saw 3

or four weeks ago when the first

protesters took to the streets and what

is happening

now so um you know I have started

authoritarianism in Bangladesh for many

years recently we published a research

called Democratic bage where we saw that

even Shina established and creeping

authoritarianism over the country

citizens were resisting but I think

sheas crossed lines in past few weeks by

killing you know by ordering Sho to kill

people and there so many deaths young

young

students and that kind of like crossing

the red line and that angered everyone

in Bangladesh who took the STS so a I

was not surprised because I was always

knowing that there's the Democratic

resilience the spirit of democratic

resilience in Bangladesh is always there

but I was surprised how courageous they

all are to took the street and put their

lines put their lives on the lines for

what they believe and that is the um

resignation of this um of sh thank you

so much for your your time analysis uh

maasha Hassan we appreciate it and

keeping a very close eye on when the

Bangladesh Army Chief speaks and we'll

bring that to you when he

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