World Reacts to PM Sheikh Hasina's Removal From Power Amid Unrest in Bangladesh

New Delhi: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday resigned following violent and dramatic unrest across Bangladesh demanding to scrap the quotas scheme in government jobs. Ending her 15 years in power, the 76-year-old took shelter in India. She first entered India via Agartala and later landed at Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad near Delhi. The former prime minister is likely to seek asylum in the UK. However, the United Kingdom has so far not granted asylum to Hasina.

Amid Hasina's arrival in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a crucial meeting with the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in the wake of unrest in Bangladesh. He was joined by other members of the CCS, including Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Following Hasina's exit, the world condemned violence in Bangladesh and urged for peace.

Canada Strongly Condemns Violations, Deaths and Torture

Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly in a statement posted on X said that a country committed to democracy, inclusive governance and the rule of law, Canada calls for a "quick and peaceful" return to a democratic and inclusive civilian-led government in Bangladesh.

In a statement issued following the unrest in Dhaka, a spokesperson of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that he is concerned by the violence and the "significant loss of life, including of students, children and law enforcement officers," calling it "completely unacceptable."

Amid the sudden resignation, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller in a statement said, We want to see the Bangladeshi people decide the future of the Bangladeshi government."

"All decisions regarding the interim government should be made with respect to democratic principles, rule of law and the will of the Bangladeshi people. Now, as to what accountability looks like, that's something that should take place under Bangladeshi law. Obviously, anyone responsible for acts of violence, acts that break the law should be held accountable for them," he said.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged for calm in Bangladesh after the resignation and departure of prime minister Sheikh Hasina, and highlighted the need for a "peaceful, orderly and democratic transition."

Bangladeshi Diaspora Across the World

Acting Chairman of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Tarique Rehman, who is currently living in exile in the UK said that "Hasina’s resignation proves the power of the people and will be an example for generations to come, showing how the courage of the people can overpower atrocities."

"Congratulations to the students and protesters from all sections of society. Their selfless sense of justice and love for their fellow country people have prevailed on this historic day. Together, let’s rebuild Bangladesh into a democratic and developed nation, where the rights and freedoms of all people are protected," the post further read.

In Whitechapel,  a large Bangladeshi community took to the streets to celebrate Hasina's ouster.

Waving their national flag and honking car horns, people chanted: "Bangladesh! Bangladesh!"

"Bangladesh has achieved its second independence now," one said.

"We actually got our independence first in 1971, but autocrat Sheikh Hasina was ruling the country forcibly. She has snatched away our rights. She has killed thousands of children," another individual said.