Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reportedly fled the country amid escalating violence and widespread protests demanding her resignation.
A source close to Hasina informed AFP that she left Dhaka on Monday following a particularly brutal day of unrest that resulted in nearly 100 fatalities.
Prime Minister Hasina has been in power since 2009 and had resisted calls for her resignation for weeks. However, the situation intensified on Sunday when protesters stormed her official residence, Gono Bhaban, amid chaotic scenes in the capital.
Eyewitness accounts described jubilant crowds celebrating in the streets, with some even dancing on military vehicles.
According to the source, Hasina initially attempted to leave by motorcade but was later evacuated by helicopter due to the escalating danger.
The specific destination of her flight has not been disclosed. The Prime Minister's son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, urged security forces to prevent any takeover of the government.
The protests, which began as a response to civil service job quotas, have evolved into a broader anti-government movement. The unrest has seen clashes between protesters and government supporters, resulting in at least 300 deaths since the demonstrations began in early July.
On Sunday alone, 94 people were killed, including 14 police officers, marking one of the deadliest days of violence in recent history.
In light of the turmoil, Bangladesh's army chief, Waker-Uz-Zaman, is expected to address the nation, although details of his statement remain unclear.
