London: After dramatic protests in Bangladesh caused former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign and flee the country, the UK government has now called for an independent United Nations-led probe into the nationwide turmoil that saw hundreds killed. Bangladesh is now awaiting an interim government and the Army Chief plans to meet protesters, giving signs that the country may limp back to normalcy after weeks of violent uprising.
Notably, the recent agitation marked a tumultuous end to Hasina's 15-year-old reign that began with the controversial quota systems for families of veterans who fought in the 1971 Liberation War amid high youth unemployment. As the unrest escalated, hundreds of protesters stormed her official residence, vandalising and looting the premises in a display of anger. Hasina resigned on Monday and fled the country in a military helicopter, landing at the Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad.
Hasina met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in India and was reportedly due to travel to the United Kingdom, but there was no word from the administration in London about taking her in. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the UK wants to see action taken to ensure a "peaceful and democratic future" in Bangladesh but did not mention Hasina's arrival.
What did UK say on Bangladesh crisis?
"The last two weeks in Bangladesh have seen unprecedented levels of violence and tragic loss of life. A transitional period has been announced by the Chief of the Army Staff. All sides now need to work together to end the violence, restore calm, deescalate the situation and prevent any further loss of life," said Lammy in an official statement.
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