Media reports indicate that Sheikh Hasina has resigned from her position after leaving the capital Dhaka amid ongoing protests in the country. A source, who requested anonymity, stated, "She and her sister left the official Prime Minister's residence in the capital for a safer location," adding, "She wanted to record a speech but did not have the opportunity." Meanwhile, protesters stormed the Prime Minister's office in Dhaka.
Sheikh Hasina's son on Monday urged the security forces to prevent any coup against her rule. Sajib Wazed Joy, who resides in the United States, posted on Facebook: "Your duty is to ensure the safety of our people and our country and uphold the constitution," adding, "This means not allowing any unelected government to come to power for even a minute; this is your duty."
The total death toll from clashes during anti-government protests in Bangladesh has reached at least 300, following the death of 94 individuals on Sunday, marking the highest daily toll amidst weeks of protests, according to a count by the French news agency AFP. This figure is based on reports from police, officials, and hospital doctors.
Protests are expected to continue on Monday amid a heavy deployment of military and police in Dhaka, accompanied by patrols on main roads and roadblocks leading to the Prime Minister's residence, as protesters demand her resignation after 15 years in power. The army chief, General Wakeruzaman, is scheduled to address the nation today, as confirmed by a military spokesperson to AFP. The military public relations officer, Rashid Alam, stated, "The general will speak to the people at 2 PM (08:00 GMT)."
This comes as service companies and monitoring organizations confirmed on Monday that internet access in Bangladesh is now subjected to strict restrictions, including mobile phones and landline connections. Hundreds of thousands took to the streets on Sunday in the capital and several other cities, where anti-government and pro-government factions clashed, using sticks and knives, while security forces fired live ammunition and teargas in an attempt to disperse them.
The protests, which began in July against a quota system for civil service jobs, have escalated into the worst unrest in the country since Sheikh Hasina, 76, assumed power. Authorities have heavily restricted internet services, while more than half of the garment factories, a vital sector of the national economy, closed their doors on Monday.
The government announced a full curfew starting at 6 PM local time (12:00 GMT) on Sunday and declared a three-day public holiday starting today, Monday. The Bangladesh Army urged everyone to adhere to curfew regulations.
