Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned after 15 years in power, amid widespread protests and violent crackdowns, AP News reports.
The unrest, which began with students demanding an end to a quota system for government jobs, escalated into widespread demonstrations against Hasina’s government, leading to violent crackdowns that resulted in nearly 300 deaths and numerous injuries. The government imposed a curfew and cut off mobile internet services to control the situation. Authorities reported that at least 11,000 people had been arrested in recent weeks, and schools and universities across the country were closed as a result of the unrest.
Bangladesh’s military chief Gen. Waker-uz-Zaman announced plans to consult with the president on forming an interim government and pledged to investigate the recent violence. He also assured the public that the military would refrain from further violence, urging citizens to cooperate and help restore peace.