Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, resisted resigning and demanded that security forces intensify their crackdown on nationwide protests, according to a report by Prothom Alo newspaper. The report provides insight into the events that took place at the Prime Minister's residence before she made a last-minute escape in a military aircraft, just before hundreds of protesters stormed in. The Awami League leader summoned top officers from the security establishment and police force to her residence.
Despite the rising death toll and advice from some of her advisors to transfer power to the Army, the 76-year-old five-time Prime Minister remained resolute. She insisted that the forces strengthen the existing curfew. However, on the streets, the situation was rapidly changing, with protesters gathering in various spots in Dhaka despite the curfew.
During the meeting, Sheikh Hasina questioned the security bosses on why they had not been able to control the protests. She pointed to images of protesters on police vehicles and demanded harsher crackdowns. She reminded the officers that she had elevated them to their positions because of her trust in them.
While she praised the police's response to the protests, the police chief indicated that the situation was beyond their control. Security forces tried to explain to her that increased force would not solve the problem. When their arguments failed, the officers spoke to Sheikh Hasina's sister Rehana in another room, urging.