Global reactions pour in as Hasina's government collapses

Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government in Bangladesh, various countries and international organizations have responded with a mix of reactions. Some expressed solidarity with the people of Bangladesh, while others reaffirmed their commitment to the country and expressed hope for a swift return to stability. Among those reacting are the US, UK, China, India, and Pakistan, along with international bodies such as the European Union, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank.

Sheikh Hasina has reportedly been staying in New Delhi, India, since her resignation. International media have extensively covered the developments in Bangladesh, focusing on the unfolding situation after the fall of her government.

Many international media outlets have highlighted the formation of an interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus in Bangladesh, with in-depth coverage of the events leading up to Sheikh Hasina's resignation. Several reports have focused on how Sheikh Hasina's authoritarian approach and attempts to cling to power contributed to her eventual downfall.

According to a report by The Washington Post, Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian behavior, abuse of power, suppression of the opposition, silencing of the media and civil society, and her attempts to manipulate elections made her downfall inevitable. The report argues that her transformation into a dictator set the stage for her eventual removal.

The New York Times reported that Sheikh Hasina fled the country at the urging of her family members just before an angry mob marched toward Ganabhaban. Despite ordering the use of force against protesters, resistance grew, and the military leadership advised her that further bloodshed would worsen the situation. However, she was reportedly unwilling to accept this advice.
The Dawn reported that the Bangladesh Army refused to follow Sheikh Hasina's orders to use force against protesters. The report suggests that this refusal marked a decisive moment in her downfall. Citing various sources, it stated that the army decided not to fire on protesters a day before Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. The army chief then advised her to step down, but she insisted on using force, which deepened the crisis and ultimately led to her exit.

Al Jazeera published a report today detailing how Bangladesh's youth played a crucial role in toppling Sheikh Hasina's government. The report highlights how the government used force to suppress the student quota reform movement, which eventually sparked wider protests and resistance.
According to Hindustan Times, sources revealed that after fleeing to India, Sheikh Hasina has applied for political asylum in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Finland. The report also mentioned that her earlier request for asylum in the UK was rejected.

The Guardian reported that Dr. Muhammad Yunus, a longtime critic of Sheikh Hasina and a Nobel Peace Prize winner known as the "banker of the poor," has become the head of Bangladesh's interim government, which was formed on August 8. The interim government, consisting of 16 other members, took the oath that night. Dr. Yunus will lead the country until new elections are held.
The report also noted that Sheikh Hasina, often referred to as an "Iron Lady" for her 15-and-a-half-year rule, fled the country in a manner few could have predicted. Alongside her sister, Sheikh Rehana, she was forced to flee during the anti-discrimination students' "Long March to Dhaka" on August 5. The situation spiraled out of control after clashes between Awami League supporters and protestors resulted in around 100 deaths, including several police officers. On the afternoon of August 5, senior Awami League leaders and advisers informed Sheikh Hasina that the situation had become unmanageable, leading to her eventual departure.

As protests intensified across Bangladesh, many Awami League leaders retreated in various locations in the face of strong resistance from demonstrators. However, Sheikh Hasina remained reluctant to acknowledge the gravity of the situation, believing that the unrest could still be controlled through the use of force. Despite this, senior security officials conveyed to her that the situation had escalated beyond control. It was at this point that she began to mentally prepare to step down.
According to her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Sheikh Hasina had been contemplating resignation since Sunday. A senior military official revealed that only a select few within the Special Security Force, Presidential Guard Regiment, and some senior officers at army headquarters were aware of when Sheikh Hasina officially signed her resignation and boarded a helicopter. The entire operation was carried out in secrecy to avoid drawing public attention.

According to army sources, Sheikh Hasina left Ganabhaban on August 5 at 11 a.m. From there, she was flown by helicopter to Agartala, Tripura, before traveling to Delhi on a special Indian Air Force plane alongside her sister, Sheikh Rehana. It appears that Sheikh Hasina was trying to keep two options open: leaving the country if necessary, while also attempting to stay in power through force until the very last moment. However, senior army officers were unwilling to allow further bloodshed.
On that day, in various parts of the country, ordinary citizens and protestors mingled with soldiers and junior officers, indicating that the army was losing control of the situation. After evaluating the circumstances, senior military officials realized that the situation was no longer manageable by the government.
In Dhaka, security was tight, with police and army positions set up along all routes leading to Tejgaon Airport to ensure Sheikh Hasina’s safe departure. At around 9 a.m., the country’s internet connection was temporarily shut down for about one and a half hours to prevent information about Sheikh Hasina’s movements from spreading on social media. The internet was restored after she boarded the helicopter.

Media reports indicate that on the morning of her departure, Sheikh Hasina held a meeting with the chiefs of the three military branches and the police chief at Ganabhaban. Frustrated by the inability of the security forces to control the situation, she reportedly lashed out at them during the meeting. At one point, she pointed at the Inspector General of Police and remarked sarcastically, “They are doing well,” expressing her anger and disappointment.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) reportedly told Sheikh Hasina that the situation had escalated to the point where the police could no longer maintain control, as hundreds of thousands of protesters had already taken to the streets. A senior military official informed her that the crowds would eventually march toward Ganabhaban, potentially putting her life in danger. Sheikh Hasina believed that if she could stop the "Long March to Dhaka" by force, she would avoid resigning. However, she was also prepared to leave the country if this effort failed.

Officials revealed that India had been approached in advance regarding a potential exit plan. India indicated that if Sheikh Hasina could reach Agartala by helicopter, they would ensure her safe passage to Delhi. On August 5, she was flown to Hindon Air Force Station in Delhi aboard a Bangladesh Air Force transport plane.

According to her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Sheikh Hasina was reluctant to leave the country, but her family was deeply concerned for her safety. They strongly urged her to seek refuge in a safe location. On the morning of August 5, police and military leaders also met with Sheikh Hasina's sister, Sheikh Rehana, to persuade her to convince her sister to step down. Discussions continued privately with Sheikh Rehana in a separate room, where she was asked to help Sheikh Hasina understand the gravity of the situation. Sheikh Rehana subsequently spoke with her elder sister, but Sheikh Hasina remained adamant about holding onto power. At one stage, a top official contacted Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who was abroad at the time. Joy then spoke with his mother, which finally convinced Sheikh Hasina to agree to resign.

Since Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, she has been staying in New Delhi, India. The U.S. government praised the Bangladeshi military for exercising restraint and called for the formation of an interim government through a democratic process. The United States has consistently advocated for the protection of democratic rights and has supported the establishment of a democratic and inclusive interim government.

In a statement on the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website, Foreign Minister David Lammy urged all parties in Bangladesh to collaborate in restoring peace and preventing further loss of life.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed China’s concern as a close neighbor and strategic development partner of Bangladesh. He conveyed China’s hope for a swift return to social stability in Bangladesh. Lin Jian also noted that the focus now is on how the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, will steer the country forward. He expressed confidence that the unity and resilience of the Bangladeshi people would guide the nation toward a promising future.

Rayhan Ahmed Tapader: Researcher and columnist.