Bangladeshi Prime Minister Hasina Resigns; Military Chief Forms Interim Government | WPN World People News

Student protests against the civil service quota system in Bangladesh have now escalated into anti-government riots, resulting in at least 300 deaths and posing a severe challenge to the 15-year autocratic rule of 76-year-old Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. On the 5th, Prime Minister Hasina resigned and fled the capital Dhaka in a hurry. A large number of protesters stormed and vandalized her residence. Army Chief of Staff Salman announced the formation of an interim government.

According to Reuters, Bangladesh has been engulfed in anti-government protests and violent unrest since student groups demanded the abolition of the civil service quota system last month. This turmoil has not only resulted in at least 300 deaths but also forced Sheikh Hasina to step down amid strong calls for her resignation. The 76-year-old "Iron Lady" of Bangladesh has held power for 15 years and won her fifth term as Prime Minister in January, but the opposition boycotted the election, claiming it was neither free nor fair.

Salman, 58, was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 23, a position with a typical tenure of three years. Born in Dhaka in 1966, Salman holds a Master's degree in Defense Studies from the National University of Bangladesh and a Master's degree in Defense Studies from King's College London. Throughout his nearly 35-year military career, he has closely worked with Hasina and previously served as the Chief of Staff in the Bangladeshi Armed Forces.

With protests shaking Bangladesh once again this month, Salman announced that the military would form an interim government following Hasina's resignation. He assured that the military would do its utmost to meet the students' demands, calling for students to maintain peace and avoid violence. Orders have also been given to military and police personnel not to open fire, urging them to ensure the safety of citizens, property, and major national facilities.