Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Resigns Amid Deadly Protests World reacts to Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina’s removal from power

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh has resigned and fled the country following weeks of violent anti-government protests that left hundreds dead. At 76, 

Hasina stepped down on Monday after student-led demonstrations against a government job quota system escalated into a widespread demand for her removal, marking the most severe political crisis during her 15-year tenure.

Protests turned violent, resulting in the deaths of at least 90 people as tens of thousands surrounded government offices and residences in Dhaka. Hasina and her sister escaped to India via an army helicopter.

In a national address, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced that an interim government would take over but did not provide further details.

Reactions to Hasina’s Resignation:

Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party

Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the main opposition party living in exile in the UK, stated on X: "Hasina’s resignation proves the power of the people. Together, let’s rebuild Bangladesh into a democratic and developed nation, where the rights and freedoms of all people are protected."

United Kingdom

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s spokesperson said his office was concerned by the violence and the “significant loss of life, including of students, children and law enforcement officers”, saying it was “completely unacceptable”.

“The right to peaceful protest must be protected and never subject to violence and we call on the authorities to release all peaceful protesters and ensure due process is followed for those charged and prosecuted,” according to a statement.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: “The people of Bangladesh deserve a full and independent UN-led investigation into the events of the past few weeks.”

India

While Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has not yet commented on Hasina’s resignation, it issued a “high alert” along its 4,096km (2,545-mile) border with Bangladesh.

Modi’s government was reported to have close ties with the Hasina-led Awami League government.

Sri Lanka

Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said in a statement on X: “We believe in the resilience and unity of the Bangladeshi nation and hope for a swift return to peace and stability.”

“May the people of Bangladesh find the strength to overcome these challenges and emerge even stronger,” he added.

Russia

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that “Moscow … hopes for a speedy return of internal political processes to constitutional norms in a country friendly to us”.

Bangladeshi diaspora in the UK

In Whitechapel, a London neighbourhood home to a large Bangladeshi community, many took to the streets to celebrate.

Waving their national flag and honking car horns, they chanted: “Bangladesh! Bangladesh!”

“Bangladesh has achieved its second independence now,” said Abu Sayem, 50. “We actually got our independence first in 1971, but autocrat Sheikh Hasina was ruling the country forcibly. She has snatched away our rights. She has killed thousands of children.”

Taxi driver Ishtiaque Choudhury said: “It is a relief for us and I’m happy for my nation.”

Germany

A Federal Foreign Office spokesperson said it is “important that Bangladesh continue on its democratic path” amid the unrest in the country.

European Union

The bloc called for an “orderly and peaceful” transition to democratic rule in Bangladesh.

“The EU calls for calm and restraint. It is vital that an orderly and peaceful transition towards a democratically elected government is ensured, in full respect of human rights and democratic principles,” foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said.

United States

The US commended Bangladesh’s army for its “restraint”, while also calling on all sides to “refrain from further violence”.

“Too many lives have been lost over the course of the past several weeks, and we urge calm and restraint in the days ahead,” Department of State spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters.

Miller also said the US had seen reports that the army refused pressure to crack down further on student-led demonstrations.

“If it is true in fact that the army resisted calls to crack down on lawful protesters, that would be a positive development,” he said.

Asked if the military should choose the next leadership, Miller said, “We want to see the Bangladeshi people decide the future Bangladeshi government.”

The White House called for respecting democratic rights in Bangladesh. “We urge that the interim government formation be democratic and inclusive. We commend the Army for the restraint they have showed today,” a White House spokesperson added.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on X that Hasina’s violent reaction to legitimate protests made her continued rule untenable.

“I applaud the brave protestors & demand justice for those killed. It’s critical to establish a balanced interim government that respects the rights of all & sets up democratic elections swiftly,” Schumer said.