Sheikh Hasina resigns, protesters storm PM’s residence: Bangladesh media

Protesters in Bangladesh stormed the prime minister’s official residence on Monday, shortly after Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country with her sister.

Local media reported that Sheikh Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana fled Dhaka to an unknown location.

Flight tracking website, Flight Radar, reported that a Bangladesh Air Force C130J aircraft took off from Bangladesh and entered Indian airspace. It is not yet clear whether Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was on board the plane. There has been no independent confirmation about her next destination.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh newspaper Prothom Alo has reported that protesters have set the Awami League’s Dhaka district office on fire. The protesters set the fire at around 4 pm on Monday evening.

Protesters also set fire to Awami League President Sheikh Hasina’s office at 3/A Dhanmondi in Dhaka. Protesters were seen raising slogans and celebrating the news of Sheikh Hasina’s resignation.

Many people also entered the Ganabhaban, the official residence of the prime minister, following reports that Sheikh Hasina had fled Dhaka after resigning from her post. Prothom Alo reported that protesters were seen raising their hands on the floor of the Ganabhaban and cheering. Local media reported that they were chanting slogans.

Earlier today, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman confirmed in a televised address that Sheikh Hasina has resigned as Prime Minister and left the country.

In his/her national address, Zaman urged protesters to remain calm and return home and also urged citizens to end the violence. he/she said there was no need for a curfew or emergency measures.

The army chief said, now a political transition period is going on and an interim government will be formed. he/she said that ‘all the killings will be judged.’

The Army Chief said, “Maintain peace and order in the country. You trust me, let us work together. Please help, we will not get anything by fighting. Avoid conflict. We have together built a beautiful country.”

Responding to a question from reporters, the army chief said he/she had met representatives of the BNP, Jatiya Party and Jamaat-e-Islami. Teachers Afis Najrul and Jonad Saki were also present at the meeting. However, student representatives could not be contacted.

Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman said, “We will now go to Bangabhaban. There will be detailed discussions about the formation of the interim government.”