Sheikh Hasina has resigned as Bangladesh's Prime Minister, prompting the Army to take control amid violent protests demanding her departure. Bangladesh Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced that the Army would form an interim government and urged protesters to maintain peace. "The country is in crisis," he said. "I have met with Opposition leaders, and we have decided to form an interim government. I take full responsibility and promise to protect your lives and property. Your demands will be met. Please support us and end the violence. Together, we can find a proper solution. Violence will achieve nothing."

Ms. Hasina, who began her fifth term as Prime Minister earlier this year, left Dhaka in a military helicopter and may be headed to a safer location in India.

The protests, which began last month, were initially against a quota system reserving 30% of government jobs for the families of Muktijoddhas—veterans of Bangladesh's 1971 independence war. Protesters argued this system favored Awami League supporters and called for a merit-based system. As the protests escalated, the government attempted to suppress them, resulting in over 300 deaths in ensuing clashes.

Tensions were further inflamed by a controversial remark from Prime Minister Hasina. "If not the grandchildren of the freedom fighters, then who will get quota benefits? The grandchildren of the 'Razakars'?" she asked, referring to the paramilitary force that collaborated with the Pakistan Army during the 1971 war, committing numerous atrocities. "This is my question to the nation. If the protesters don't comply, I can do nothing. They can continue their protest, but if they damage property or attack police, the law will take its course."

The Razakar reference struck a nerve, intensifying public outrage and contributing to the volatile situation.

Sheikh Hasina has resigned as Bangladesh's Prime Minister, prompting the Army to take control amid violent protests demanding her departure. Bangladesh Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced that the Army would form an interim government and urged protesters to maintain peace. "The country is in crisis," he said. "I have met with Opposition leaders, and we have decided to form an interim government. I take full responsibility and promise to protect your lives and property. Your demands will be met. Please support us and end the violence. Together, we can find a proper solution. Violence will achieve nothing."

Ms. Hasina, who began her fifth term as Prime Minister earlier this year, left Dhaka in a military helicopter and may be headed to a safer location in India.

The protests, which began last month, were initially against a quota system reserving 30% of government jobs for the families of Muktijoddhas—veterans of Bangladesh's 1971 independence war. Protesters argued this system favored Awami League supporters and called for a merit-based system. As the protests escalated, the government attempted to suppress them, resulting in over 300 deaths in ensuing clashes.

Tensions were further inflamed by a controversial remark from Prime Minister Hasina. "If not the grandchildren of the freedom fighters, then who will get quota benefits? The grandchildren of the 'Razakars'?" she asked, referring to the paramilitary force that collaborated with the Pakistan Army during the 1971 war, committing numerous atrocities. "This is my question to the nation. If the protesters don't comply, I can do nothing. They can continue their protest, but if they damage property or attack police, the law will take its course."

The Razakar reference struck a nerve, intensifying public outrage and contributing to the volatile situation.