In a dramatic escalation of unrest, hundreds of protesters stormed the official residence of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday, leaving a trail of destruction in the country's capital Dhaka. The protesters also vandalised the statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a revered figure in Bangladesh and the father of Sheikh Hasina, and the nation's founding leader. A video has also surfaced showing protesters chiselling away at the statue's head with an axe.
The unrest erupted shortly after Sheikh Hasina announced her resignation as Prime Minister and fled to neighbouring India, citing the deteriorating political situation in Bangladesh. Her abrupt departure has left the country in turmoil, with widespread protests and clashes between security forces and demonstrators. Local media reported that Sheikh Hasina and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, fled Dhaka for an undisclosed location.
Flight tracking website, Flight Radar reported that a Bangladesh Air Force C130J had taken off from Bangladesh and entered Indian Air Space. It is unclear yet if Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina was on this plane. No independent confirmation of her next destination has been received.
Agitators also set on fire Awami League president Sheikh Hasina's office at 3/A Dhanmondi in Dhaka. Protesters were seen chanting slogans and celebrating the news of Sheikh Hasina's resignation. Notably, Bangladesh Chief of Army Staff General Waqar-uz-Zaman in a televised address confirmed that Sheikh Hasina had resigned from .