Dhaka, 5 August 2024 (TDI): Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid stepped down from the office on Monday moments before she flew to India on a military helicopter following violent street protests.
According to Dhaka Tribune, the longest-serving Bangladeshi prime minister wanted to record a speech but she did not have the opportunity as hundreds of thousands of protesters who had been protesting on the streets of the national capital, were about to enter the PM’s House.
Read more: Bangladesh Prime Minister Shaikh Haseena Wajid Resigns
Speaking to the media later in the day, Wajid’s son said she had sought political asylum from the UK, and had no plans of a political comeback.
World Reacts to Hasina Wajid’s Resignation
Here is how the world leaders reacted to her resignation and the developments that followed.
BNP Leader Tariq Rahman
Tariq Rahman, the exiled acting chairman of opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party said Hasina’s resignation proved 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,” Rahman posted on X.
US Senate Majority Leader
US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer applauded the protesters and demanded justice for those killed during violent protests.
“PM 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 posted on X.
Read More : Bangladesh Student Protesters Press PM’s Resignation
Sri Lankan Foreign Minister
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s foreign minister hoped for Bangladesh’s swift return to peace and prosperity.
“We believe in the resilience and unity of the Bangladeshi nation and hope for a swift return to peace and stability,” M Ali Sabry said on X.
“May the people of Bangladesh find the strength to overcome these challenges and emerge even stronger,” he added.
EU Foreign Policy Chief
European Union Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrel called for a peaceful transition of power to a democratically elected government and respect for human rights.
“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.”
He urged that accountability for human rights violations was crucial and demanded the release of those who were detained arbitrarily.
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s spokesperson rued the significant loss of lives during the protests.
“We call on the authorities to release all peaceful protesters and ensure due process is followed for those charged and prosecuted. We hope that swift action is taken to ensure that democracy prevails and accelerate the process towards peace and security for people in Bangladesh.”
Germany
Meanwhile, a German Foreign Ministry spokesperson vouched for peace in the country saying it was “important that Bangladesh continue on its democratic path.”
