Bangladesh protesters storm head of government office
Translated Text:
Footage broadcast by TV channel 24 showed thousands of protesters breaking into Prime Minister Hasina's palace, subsequently celebrating and waving at cameras.
Earlier, news agency AFP reported that Hasina and her sister had moved to a safer location, with the PM intending to record a speech but unable to do so. Later, it was reported that Hasina had left the capital, Dhaka, by helicopter.
Hasina has been facing mass protests and resignation demands since last month, with incidents of violence occurring. According to an AFP count, at least 300 people have been killed, with 94 deaths reported on Sunday alone.
Given the tense situation, Hasina's son had earlier urged the country's security forces to prevent any coup attempt against his mother. "Your duty is to ensure the safety of our people and our country, and uphold the constitution," said Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who lives in the US, on the online network Facebook.
The mass demonstrations began in July as protests against a quota system for public service jobs, criticized as favoring Hasina's supporters. However, the demand for the resignation of the PM and her cabinet has since become the main goal of the protest movement, with supporters now coming from all walks of life, including film stars, famous musicians, and former generals.
The Commission expressed concern over the escalating violence and demanded immediate dialogue between the government and protesters, aiming to address the resignation demands and quota system issue. The protesters believed that The Commission could play a crucial role in achieving a peaceful resolution.
