Thousands of protesters in Dhaka, Bangladesh, looted and vandalized the official residence of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina following her resignation on Monday.
This event marked the peak of weeks of deadly protests that have rocked the nation, the worst unrest since its independence over fifty years ago.
According to BBC reports, Hasina fled to India after stepping down. Accompanied by her sister, the 76-year-old former leader took a military helicopter to the eastern state of West Bengal.
Her resignation followed widespread protests against her government, ignited by a controversial policy that reserved 30% of government jobs for the descendants of veterans from Bangladesh’s 1971 War of Independence.
Chaotic scenes captured and shared widely on social media showed protesters parading through the streets with items taken from Hasina’s home. Looted items ranged from clothing and kitchenware to furniture, livestock, and electronics. Viral images included a man wearing a saree and carrying a bucket of clothes, and a young man triumphantly holding a purple blouse.
In response to the turmoil, Bangladesh’s Army Chief, Waker-Uz-Zaman, announced plans to establish an interim government. Addressing the nation on state television in military fatigues, General Waker stated, “I am taking full responsibility.”
While it was not immediately clear if he would lead the caretaker government, Waker emphasized the urgency of restoring order: “We will form an interim government. The country has suffered a lot, the economy has been hit, and many people have been killed — it is time to stop the violence. I hope after my speech, the situation will improve.”
