Bangladesh Descends Into Anarchy Following Former PM Sheikh Hasina's Departure

Bangladesh descended into chaos following Sheikh Hasina's abrupt departure from the country. Protests surged, resulting in over 100 fatalities nationwide. In Dhaka, angry demonstrators toppled Mujibur Rahman's statue and set the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre ablaze. A hotel owned by an Awami League leader was torched, claiming 24 lives, including an Indonesian national. Former cricket captain Mashrafe Mortaza's residence was also set on fire, and Dhaka police headquarters were stormed by protesters. Police officers, fearing reprisals, have declared a strike. Attacks on minorities have escalated, with the ISKCON temple in Meherpur being vandalized and Hindu properties targeted. President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved parliament as Nobel laureate Mohammed Yunus was announced as an advisor to the interim government led by Army chief Gen Waker-uz-Zaman. Opposition leader Khaleda Zia was released, along with hundreds of detained anti-quota protesters. Meanwhile, former minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak was detained while attempting to flee. Sheikh Hasina remains in India under tightened security at Hindon air base. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar briefed Parliament on the situation, with BSF DG Diljit Chaudhary inspecting the India-Bangladesh border. The former PM's asylum status remains uncertain.