DHAKA, Bangladesh, Aug 5, (AP): Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on Monday, ending 15 years in power as thousands of protesters defied a military curfew and stormed her official residence.
The news was confirmed by officials from the military and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who requested anonymity they were not authorized to speak to the media.
Thousands appeared to have entered Hasina’s official residence in Dhaka on Monday, following weeks of violent demonstrations and clashes with security forces.
Bangladesh’s military chief Gen. Waker-uz-Zaman is expected to address the nation later today.
The protests began peacefully in late June, as students sought an end to a quota system for government jobs, but turned violent after clashes between protesters and police and pro-government activists at Dhaka University.
The government’s attempts to quell the demonstrations with force, curfews and internet shutdowns backfired, prompting further outrage as nearly 300 people were killed and leading to demands for an end to her 15 years in power.
On Sunday, nearly 100 people were killed as the protesters clashed with security officials and the ruling party activists across the country.