New Delhi: As unrest in Bangladesh intensified, mobs on Monday stormed the Bangladesh Parliament, causing widespread chaos. Protesters invaded the building, engaging in disruptive behaviour and vandalism. Some were seen sitting on tables, smoking, and taking selfies, illustrating the gravity of the situation. Social media was flooded with videos showing the pandemonium, including individuals stealing rugs, and utensils, and rifling through office files. What began as student-led protests against government hiring regulations in July culminated on Monday in a dramatic turn of events. The situation escalated to the point where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country, and the military announced its decision to form an interim government.
Hasina’s official residence in Dhaka was overrun by protesters. Footage revealed scenes of disorder as crowds entered the palace, celebrating and waving at cameras while looting. Stolen items included sarees, tea cups, TV sets, and paintings, furniture and even fish from the kitchens.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh Army Chief Gen. Waker-uz-Zaman promised that the military would stand down, and to launch an investigation into the deadly crackdowns that fueled outrage against the government. “Keep faith in the military, we will investigate all the killings and punish the responsible,” he said. “I have ordered that no army and police will indulge in any kind of firing.”
He asked for patience as a new government is formed. “Now, the students’ duty is to stay calm and help us,” he added.
Sheikh Hasina at Hindon Air Base
Meanwhile, Hasina, who resigned earlier in the day following unprecedented anti-government protests, landed at the Hindon airbase near Ghaziabad on her way to London, diplomatic sources said. Hasina arrived in India in a C-130J military transport aircraft of the Bangladesh Air Force.
Hasina is likely to meet her daughter Saima Wazed, who is based in Delhi. Wazed is working as the World Health Organisation’s regional director for South-East Asia.
India decided to provide a safe passage through the Indian airspace to Hasina’s aircraft following a request from Dhaka, the sources cited above told PTI. Indian government sources said New Delhi is closely following the fast-paced developments in Dhaka.
More than 100 people have been killed in the protests against the Hasina government over the last two days.
The students’ protests in Bangladesh started last month against a controversial job quota scheme. The protests now have turned into an anti-government agitation. The controversial quota system provided for 30 per cent reservations in civil services jobs for the families of veterans who fought the 1971 Liberation War.
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