Screengrab of video shows Sheikh Hasina fleeing. (X/ZulkarnainSaer)
Dhaka: Amid escalating anti-government protests, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has left the capital for a safer location. This move follows a violent day of clashes that resulted in the deaths of 98 people, marking the deadliest day in weeks of unrest.
A source close to Hasina revealed to AFP that the Prime Minister and her sister vacated Ganabhaban, the official residence, due to security concerns. "She wanted to record a speech, but she could not get an opportunity to do that," the source stated.
"She and her sister have left Ganabhaban (the Prime Minister's official residence) for a safer place," a source told AFP. "The time has come for the final protest," said Asif Mahmud, a key leader in the nationwide campaign.
Bangladesh's dictator, Sheikh Hasina, has been flown to the @BD_Air_Force base in Kurmitola at 1425 hours local time. Sources claim that from there, Hasina will travel to a third country. If this information is correct, it would signify the end of Sheikh Hasina's reign of terror… pic.twitter.com/orGSyxVVaQ
— Sami (@ZulkarnainSaer) August 5, 2024
Latest reports from Bangladesh indicate that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has left Dhaka for an undisclosed location after unprecedented nationwide violence in the country. Some suggest she could come to New Delhi as well. Developing story. (Videos and Photo viral on BD Media) pic.twitter.com/Kk5ODQZENk
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) August 5, 2024
In response to the escalating violence, Bangladesh's army chief, Waker-Uz-Zaman, is set to address the nation. The death toll from the protests, which began last month, has now surpassed 300. The unrest started with rallies against civil service job quotas and has since transformed into a broader movement calling for Hasina's resignation.
Hundreds of thousands of protesters have defied curfews, flooding the streets of Dhaka. Despite heavy security, including soldiers and police with armored vehicles and barricades of barbed wire, vast crowds tore down barriers and marched towards the Prime Minister's office. Local media estimated that as many as 400,000 protesters were on the streets, though this figure could not be independently verified.
The protests have evolved into one of the most significant challenges to Hasina's 15-year rule. Her son has urged the country's security forces to prevent any takeover attempts, while a senior advisor hinted at the possibility of her resignation.
The demonstrations, initially sparked by dissatisfaction with job quotas, have attracted support from various sectors of society, including film stars, musicians, and singers. Social media has been flooded with songs and messages calling for public support. "The time has come for the final protest," declared Asif Mahmud, a key leader in the nationwide campaign.
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