Many countries, including the US and Russia, and Europe reacted on Monday to the protests, resignation and flight of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as they called for democracy and peace in the country.
Sheikh Hasina flew out of Dhaka in a military helicopter. She intended to record a speech but did not have the opportunity, Dhaka Tribune reported. She landed in India where Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval received her.
She has sought political asylum from England, according to Indian media.
The development comes as hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshi protesters demanding Hasina resign clashed with government supporters, with dozens killed in one of the deadliest days since demonstrations began.
On Sunday, at least 95 people were killed, including 14 police officers, with the rival sides battling with sticks and knives and security forces firing rifles, taking the total killed since protests began in July to at least 283.
The United States is closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh, where the prime minister has fled the country after a crackdown on demonstrations, and urges the interim government formation process to be democratic and inclusive, the White House said on Monday.
“We encourage all parties to refrain from further violence and restore peace as quickly as possible,” a National Security Council spokesperson said.
The Russian foreign ministry hoped that a transitional government would be formed soon as the situation in the country was controlled by the Bangladesh Army
“Moscow concludes that the change of political forces in power in Bangladesh is an internal affair of this country, and at the same time they are counting on the speedy return of internal political processes in our friendly country to constitutional track,” the ministry said in a statement.
The European Union has called for an “orderly and peaceful” transition to democratic rule in Bangladesh, after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled protests and the military took over.
“The EU calls for calm and restraint. 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,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said.
“Accountability for human rights violations is crucial. Those who have been arbitrarily detained should be released immediately.”
United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s spokesperson called for taking “quick steps” to protect democracy in Bangladesh.
“Prime Minister Starmer is deeply saddened by the violence we have seen in Bangladesh over the past few weeks, the UK Prime Minister’s spokesman told reporters in London. I hope that swift action will be taken to protect [Bangladesh’s] democracy and advance the security and peace process of the people of Bangladesh,” the spokesperson said.
The statement added that the right to peaceful protest must be protected and never subject to violence and called 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 to people in Bangladesh.”
A German foreign ministry spokesperson declined to comment on the latest developments, saying only that it is “important that Bangladesh continue on its democratic path”.
“We believe in the resilience and unity of the Bangladeshi nation and hope for a swift return to peace and stability,” Sabry said on X.
“May the people of Bangladesh find the strength to overcome these challenges and emerge even stronger,” he said.
In Whitechapel, a London neighbourhood home to a large Bangladeshi community, many took to the streets to celebrate.
Waving their national flag and honking car horns, they chanted: “Bangladesh! Bangladesh!”
“Bangladesh has achieved its second independence now,” said Abu Sayem, 50. “We actually got our independence first in 1971 but autocrat Sheikh Hasina was ruling the country forcibly. She has snatched away our rights. She has killed thousands of children.”
Cab driver Ishtiaque Choudhury said: “It is a relief for us and I’m happy for my nation.”
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Sheikh Hasina intended to record a speech before hurried departure
“Hasina’s resignation proves the power of the people,” Tarique Rahman, the exiled acting chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party.
“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.
“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 said on X.
