Dhaka: Participants in the riots in Bangladesh vandalized several government buildings and the homes of several representatives of the Awami League political party amid the resignation of its leader and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose former residence was also looted, the UNB news agency reported, citing party leaders.
Shortly after Sheikh Hasina’s resignation was announced, a group of people vandalized and set fire to the residence of the state minister for expatriate affairs and foreign employment, the homes of the city justice department and the city secretary of the Awami League, an Awami League member of parliament and the president of the capital’s Awami League branch were attacked and vandalized, the agency said.
The rioters smashed and looted the businesses of several businessmen who supported the Awami League party, set fire to the office of the district police chief and burned two police motorcycles during clashes with police on Monday afternoon, it added.
Also, according to social media, the rioters broke into the residence of Sheikh Hasina herself and began to carry out furniture, utensils and livestock from it.
On Monday, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her sister left the official residence in the capital of Dhaka and went to a safer place. News18 reported that Hasina had resigned and flew to the Indian city of Agartala. The Hindu newspaper reported that the former prime minister was seeking asylum in the UK. Meanwhile, Agence France-Presse reported that thousands of protesters had stormed the palace of Hasina, who left Bangladesh.
Protests and demonstrations began in Dhaka and throughout the country after the announcement of a multi-day “non-cooperation action” with the authorities, which was launched on Sunday by the Student Movement Against Discrimination organization. Clashes between anti-government students, police, and government supporters escalated into riots.
The Bangladeshi government has imposed a curfew in Dhaka and other cities of the country from 18:00 local time on Monday (non GMT) until further notice. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of the beginning of the week have been declared holidays nationwide.
