Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country on Monday following the deaths of hundreds of people in a suppression of demonstrations.
Jubilant mobs invaded the luxurious grounds of the presidential residence, taking televisions and furniture with them.
Protesters who had climbed atop the monument in another part of Dhaka chipped away at the head of a statue of Hasina’s father, the founder of the Bangladeshi state, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Hasina ruled for 20 of the last 30 years as leader of the political movement inherited from her father, who was assassinated along with most of his family in a 1975 coup. Her flight ended a 15-year second term in rule.
In a televised address to the nation, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the chief of the Bangladeshi Army, announced Hasina’s resignation and announced the establishment of an interim government.
He said he had engaged in discussions with the leaders of major political parties, with the exception of Hasina’s Awami League, and would shortly meet with President Mohammed Shahabuddin to deliberate on the next steps.
Zaman stated, “The country is going through a revolutionary period.”
“We will secure justice for all the murders and injustices,” I assure you. “We implore you to have faith in the Army of the Nation,” he said. “Please don’t go back to the path of violence, and please return to non-violent and peaceful ways.”
The office of the military spokesperson announced the implementation of a curfew from midnight on Monday until 6 a.m. on Tuesday. All schools, factories, colleges, and universities will reopen once the curfew lifts.
Since Sunday evening, Hasina’s government has implemented an indefinite curfew and a three-day general holiday beginning Monday.
Hasina, 76, arrived at the Hindon military airfield, which is located near Delhi. India’s National Security Adviser, Ajit Doval, greeted her. The Indian authorities did not provide any additional information regarding her plans or the duration of her stay.
