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In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule came to an abrupt end as she fled the country amid escalating protests. Reports suggest that the military’s decision not to suppress civilian demonstrations played a crucial role in her departure.
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On the eve of Hasina’s exit, Army Chief General Wakeruz Zaman held a meeting with his generals, where they decided against using force on civilians to enforce a curfew. This information was conveyed to Hasina’s office, signaling the army’s withdrawal of support for her leadership.
The nationwide curfew had been imposed following deadly clashes that resulted in at least 91 fatalities and hundreds of injuries on Sunday, marking the most violent day since student-led protests began in July.
Army spokesman Lt. Col. confirmed the Sunday evening discussions but did not provide specifics about the decision-making process.
Hasina’s iron-fisted rule had faced mounting challenges since summer, with protests initially triggered by a court ruling on government job reservations. These demonstrations quickly evolved into a movement calling for her ouster.
The scale of the protests and the rising death toll, which reached at least 241, made continued support for Hasina untenable for the military, according to former senior army officers.
On Saturday, General Zaman had already shown signs of wavering support when he addressed officers, emphasizing the need to protect lives and calling for patience.
By Monday, as crowds defied the curfew and marched in Dhaka, Hasina made the decision to leave the country. She flew to India around lunchtime, accompanied by her sister.
Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar later confirmed that Hasina had requested approval to come to India “at very short notice” after resigning.
Hasina’s departure marks the end of her two-decade-long rule over Bangladesh, leaving the country’s political future uncertain. The protesters are calling for Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus to lead an interim government.
As Bangladesh grapples with this sudden change in leadership, the role of the military in shaping political outcomes has come into sharp focus, raising questions about the country’s democratic processes and the balance of power between civilian and military authorities.
