Bangladesh PM Flees To India As Protesters Storm Her Residence

The Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, resigned and fled to neighboring India, as protesters stormed her official residence after weeks of deadly anti-government demonstrations, Isaac Yee and Tanbirul Miraj Ripon reported for CNN.

Scenes of jubilation erupted on the streets as protesters celebrated the end of Hasina's 15 years in power. I Photo: DelwarHossain Wikimedia Commons

Scenes of jubilation erupted on the streets as protesters celebrated the end of her 15 years in power by climbing on tanks and scaling an imposing statue of Hasina’s father, independence leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in Dhaka, attacking the head with an ax.

In a national address, Bangladesh’s army chief, Gen. Waker-uz-Zaman, confirmed Hasina had resigned and said the military would form an interim government.

Addressing protesters, largely young Bangladeshis and students, he said: “Whatever demands you have, we will fulfill and bring back peace to the nation. Please help us in this; stay away from violence.

The military will not fire at anyone, the police will not fire at anyone. I have given orders.”

A senior official from Bangladesh’s foreign ministry said that Hasina is now in a “safer” location “close to Delhi,” Isaac Yee, Manveena Suri, Esha Mitra, Lucas Lilieholm, Michael Conte, and Sophia Saifi also reported for CNN.