PM Hasina resigns, flees Bangladesh as Army Chief announces interim govt

Sheikh Hasina, who resigned as Bangladesh Prime Minister following massive anti-government protests, is reported to be en route to London, according to sources on Monday. The resignation comes amid escalating violence that has claimed more than 100 lives over the past two days.

Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman announced the takeover of the interim government in a televised address. He urged cooperation from the public and assured that the army would manage law and order. Despite reports of Hasina's departure, including unconfirmed rumors of her heading to a city in India, Zaman stated that he had met with political leaders, though none from Hasina's Awami League party were present.

The protests, which began peacefully in late June over a controversial job quota system, turned violent, leading to widespread unrest. The army chief called for restraint and asked both the army and police to avoid using force. The violence saw protesters storming Hasina's official residence, 'Ganabhaban,' and attacking her party office and other properties, including vandalizing her father's statue.

The government had previously imposed a complete internet shutdown and enforced a nationwide curfew. Six more people were killed on Monday morning as thousands gathered for a "Long March to Dhaka." The unrest, which resulted in significant casualties and arrests, has drawn international attention, with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk urging adherence to human rights obligations.