DE Online Desk
Bangladesh’s prime minister has resigned and fled to India with sister Rehana following weeks of deadly protests in the country. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, 76, and her sister Sheikh Rehana took a military helicopter to India’s eastern state of West Bengal, according to media reports, which is just across the border.
Another report, however, said she was headed to India’s north-eastern state of Tripura, reports News Sky & Washington Post.
Thousands of people have stormed her official residence, shouting slogans, pumping fists and showing victory signs.
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Thousands more took to the streets of Dhaka to celebrate the resignation of the 15-year leader. Crowds of protesters earlier broke into Hasina’s official residence, looting furniture, artifacts and stationery.
According to local media reports, Hasina escaped her residence minutes before it was stormed, leaving on a helicopter to India with her younger sister Sheikh Rehana.
Bangladesh’s army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, addressed the country saying there would be a solution to the crisis “by night”.
He said he would talk to the president about forming an interim government, while also promising the military would stand down.
“Please trust the armed forces. I am taking full responsibility to protect all lives and property,” Waker-Uz-Zaman said.
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He called for an end to the violence and promised a full investigation. “I assure you that you will not be disappointed,” he said, adding, “Every single death will be investigated, every atrocity will be discussed.
Protest leaders have asserted that they intend to form their own government and will reject martial law. Hasina’s resignation came as student activists called for a march on Dhaka on Monday in defiance of a nationwide curfew, to press for her to quit.
At least 95 people, including at least 14 police officers, died in clashes in the capital on Sunday, according to local news, while hundreds more were injured.
