Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned from her post and left the capital, Dhaka, amid violent clashes, a source close to the embattled leader told AFP.
“She and her sister have left Ganabhaban (the Prime Minister’s official residence) for a safer place,” the source informed AFP. “She wanted to record a speech, but did not get the opportunity.”
This development comes as Bangladesh’s army chief Waker-Uz-Zaman is set to address the nation following the deaths of 98 people in fierce clashes, marking the deadliest day in weeks of anti-government demonstrations. AFP had earlier reported that Hasina’s resignation was a “possibility,” citing a senior aide.
Read more: Student Protests in Bangladesh Called Off for Two Days
Six more people were killed in some of the worst violence since the birth of the South Asian nation more than five decades ago. Reuters could not immediately verify the report.
Hasina and her sister had been taken to a “safe shelter” away from her official residence, a government source told Reuters. “You see, the situation is very volatile. What is happening, I myself don’t know,” Law Minister Anisul Huq told Reuters.
Student activists had called for a march to the capital, Dhaka, on Monday, defying a nationwide curfew to press for Hasina’s resignation, a day after deadly clashes across the country killed nearly 100 people. As protesters began to march in some areas, armoured personnel carriers and troops patrolled the streets of the capital, Reuters TV showed. Civilian traffic was minimal, with only a few motorcycles and three-wheel taxis seen on the roads.
Read more: Bangladesh army out in force as police fire on demonstrators