Bangladesh LIVE: Khalida Jia To Walk Free, Hasina Ousted, PM Modi Holds Crucial Meet

Dhaka: Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on Monday, ending 15 years in power as thousands of protesters defied a military curfew and stormed her official residence. Shortly after local media showed the embattled leader boarding a military helicopter with her sister, Bangladesh’s military chief, Gen. Waker-uz-Zaman, announced plans to seek the president's guidance on forming an interim government.

He promised that the military would stand down, initiate an investigation into the deadly crackdowns that sparked outrage against the government, and asked citizens for time to restore peace. He said, "Keep faith in the military, we will investigate all the killings and punish the responsible. I have ordered that no army and police will indulge in any kind of firing.”

Stay tuned with Republic for LIVE updates on Bangladesh Unrest:

• US on Dhaka situation: With respect to the violence over the past few weeks that have occurred we must have a full and transparent investigation. It is important that we focus on the Bangladeshi people's democratic aspirations and see a path to democratic governance, said State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller. 

• Sheikh Hasina to stay at Hindon tonight: Bangladesh Air Force’s C130 J, onboard which Hasina arrived, will leave for Panagarh Air Base in West Bengal. It will be based at Panagarh and might come back to Hindon to ferry Hasina whenever she gets clearances for journey ahead.
• No green signal from UK: Hasina, who has sought asylum in Britain has not received any clearance from London. 
• Bangladesh President orders release of Khaleda Jia: Amid unrest, Bangladesh President Mohammad Shahabuddin has ordered the release of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and formation of interim government in the country. READ MORE 
• UK reacts to Dhaka situation: Britain has called for ‘swift action’ to restore democracy in Bangladesh even as reports of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina seeking UK asylum emerged from India, where she arrived after fleeing Dhaka amid violent protests. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s official spokesperson told reporters during a briefing at 10 Downing Street that he was “deeply saddened” by the violence in Bangladesh in recent weeks.
• US issues statement on Bangladesh: US State Department Spokesperson, Matthew Miller said, "We have seen the announcement that Prime Minister Hasina has resigned from her position and departed Bangladesh. We are monitoring the situation carefully. The United States stands with the people of Bangladesh. We urge all parties to refrain from further violence. Too many lives have been lost over the past several weeks, and we urge calm and restraint in the days ahead. We welcome the announcement of the interim government and urge any transition be conducted in accordance with Bangladesh's laws. We are deeply saddened about the reports of Human Rights abuses, casualties and injuries over the weekend in the past weeks..." 
• PM Modi holds crucial meeting: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a crucial meeting with the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg in wake of unrest in Bangladesh. 

• Ajit Doval leaves after meeting Hasina: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has left from Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad, after meeting former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, who landed there earlier today. 
• Indian cultural Centre, temples attacked in Bangladesh: An Indian cultural centre, and four temples were vandalised in Bangladesh amid a politically volatile situation in the country. READ MORE
• Ajit Doval meets Hasina: NSA Ajit Doval has reportedly met former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina at the Hindon Air Base.   
• Rahul Gandhi meets Jaishankar: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi met EAM Dr S Jaishankar on sidelines of the Monsoon session of Lok Sabha, the two discussed recent developments in Bangladesh, Congress Sources said. 
• Army to hold talks with students, teachers: Bangladesh Army chief Waker-Uz-Zaman will hold a meeting with representatives of students and teachers on the current unrest in the country, a notice of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has informed. 
• Bangladesh Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman will soon hold a discussion with the representatives of students and teachers. This has been disclosed in a notice of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in the evening today, Monday. 
• Air India cancels flights: "In view of the emerging situation in Bangladesh, we have cancelled the scheduled operation of our flights to and from Dhaka with immediate effect. We are continuously monitoring the situation and are extending support to our passengers with confirmed bookings for travel to and from Dhaka with a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation charges... Safety of our guests and crew remains our foremost priority. For more information, please call our 24/7 Contact Centre at 011-69329333 / 011-69329999."
• Hasina lands in Delhi: Chopper carrying Bangladesh former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has landed at the Hindon Airbase in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.  
• Pillows, Utensils being stolen from Bangladesh PM's residence as protestors storm the place
• C-130 Aircraft Carrying Sheikh Hasina Nears Delhi: Indian security agencies are closely monitoring a C-130 aircraft with the call sign AJAX1431, which is currently heading towards Delhi from the Indian-Bangladesh border. The aircraft, believed to be carrying Sheikh Hasina and some members of her entourage, has crossed Patna and is approaching the UP-Bihar border. It is expected to arrive at a runway in Delhi around 1700-1715 hours. Top security officials are closely tracking the situation, with all radars active and maintaining a vigilant watch on the plane's progress.
• Fire in Sheikh Hasina's office of Awami League in Dhanmondi: Agitators set fire to the office of Awami League President Sheikh Hasina at Dhanmondir 3/E in the capital.
• Harsh V Shringla, former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh and Foreign Secretary, commented on the current developments in Bangladesh and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He said, “To maintain the status quo, peace and stability is important in our neighboring countries. We will ensure our larger interest is met. It is very important that we engage in Bangladesh. There is a huge amount of positive development possible.”
• As anti-government protests in Bangladesh escalated, demonstrators vandalized a statue of ‘Bangabandhu’ Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
• Awami League president Sheikh Hasina's office was set on fire by protesters
• "It is your responsibility to help the Army": Bangladesh Army chief's message to the nation
• Sheikh Hasina is not likely to stay in India as she is enroute New Delhi now and as per reports she is likely to fly to London via India.
• Home Minister's residence attacked and vandalized in Dhanmondi. The residence of Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal in Dhanmondi, the capital, was attacked and vandalized by agitators around 3:30 pm today. Thousands of protesters broke through the gate and entered the home minister's house. Smoke was seen coming from the building, and vandalism was ongoing inside.
• As protests spiralled across the country, the Army Chief said he had asked both Army and police not to fire any shots.
• Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned, and an interim government will take over, said Army Chief Waqar-Uz-Zaman.
• “The country has suffered a lot, the economy has been hit, many people have been killed -- it is time to stop the violence,” the Army chief said.
• The Army chief said, “I promise everyone that your demands will be fulfilled.”
• “I request everyone to support us so that we can restore peace," said Bangladesh Army chief Waker-uz-Zaman
• I take all the responsibility of the state: Bangladesh Army chief

The Bangladesh Army chief said, “I take all the responsibility of the state. I am requesting everyone to step back from the protests. Every wrong will be addressed. We confirm Sheikh Hasina's resignation.”

• Bangladesh Army chief confirms coup, interim government to be formed
• India is closely monitoring the situation in Dhaka.   
• Sheikh Hasina has reached India. The Indian mission in Dhaka facilitated Sheikh Hasina's safe escape
• Protestors eneter Ganabhaban
  Many people have entered the Ganabhaban. They were seen cheering with their hands raised in the grounds of Ganabhaban, chanting. A military helicopter took off from Bangabhaban with Sheikh Hasina on Monday.

At that time, her younger sister Sheikh Rehana was with her. Related sources said that they left for West Bengal in India by helicopter. After that, ordinary people entered the Ganobhaban. At this time, various items used in Ganobhaban could be seen in the hands of many people.

• Sheikh Hasina leaves for safer place. 

The Army Chief is currently in discussions with political party leaders regarding the country's situation. Army Chief Waker-uz-Zaman will address the situation at 3 pm.

• Protesters stormed into Ganabhaban (the premier's official residence) 
• Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana left the country.

A military helicopter took off from Bangabhaban with Sheikh Hasina at 2:30 on Monday. At that time, her younger sister Sheikh Rehana was with her. Related sources said that they left for West Bengal in India by helicopter. Meanwhile, news agency AFP reported that Sheikh Hasina and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana have gone to a safe place from Ganobhaban. Sheikh Hasina wanted to record a speech before leaving but didn't get the chance.

• Rail service suspended indefinitely in Bangladesh

Rail services in Bangladesh has been suspended indefinitely amid the ongoing protest.

• Broadband internet service resumed in Bangladesh after a two-hour shutdown
  Broadband internet service in Bangladesh resumed after a two-hour shutdown, with broadband internet restarting around 1:30 pm. Instructions have been given to turn on mobile internet again at 2:30 pm. Chief of Army Staff General Waqar-Uz-Zaman has discussed the ongoing situation in Bangladesh with all the country's leaders.
• PM Sheikh Hasina Leaves Dhaka for 'Safer Place': Report

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina has left Dhaka palace for 'safer place' amid violent protests, says AFP report.

• Protesters Attack Homes of Hindus

Amid rising tensions in Bangladesh in anti-quota protests, several incidents of Hindu being attacked in parts of country.

As per media reports, in Bangladesh's Noakhali, the anti-quota protests escalated after several protesters attacked a house belonging to Hindus.

In the video, the woman was seen terrified and saying "bhagwan, bhagwan," while crying.

• Over 3,000 Factories Shut Amid Fresh Violence

Some 3,500 factories services in Bangladesh have been shut amid violence in the country. 

• Bangladesh Army Chief to Address Nation Shortly

As per reports,  Army Chief Waker-uz-Zaman will address the nation at 1:30 pm today.

• Opps Calls For Hasina-led Govt to Step Down:

As pressure mounts on PM Hasina's government, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary-general of the main opposition party, repeated a call for the government to step down to stop the chaos.

• 11,000 People Arrested So Far

At least 11,000 people have been arrested since the beginning of the protests.

• ‘Protests Organised by Terrorists’: PM Sheikh Hasina

As protests intensify in Bangladesh, PM Sheikh Hasina said that these protests are being organised by "terrorists who want to destabilise the nation" and not students. She further asked students to have a conversation with her and not resort to protests.

• Security Beefed up on Routes Leading to PM Sheikh Hasina's Office

The Bangladeshi security forces and police have beefed up the security on routes leading to PM Hasina's office after the curfew was imposed on Sunday evening.

Forces continue to patrol the streets as protestors continue to call for PM Sheikh Hasina's resignation.

• University Teachers' Network Proposes PM Hasina to Step Down

The University Teachers’ Network in Bangladesh has proposed to form an interim government consisting of people from various sections and professions.

As per the proposal, Hasina will have to hand over power to the interim government.

The teachers’ network held a press conference titled ‘Proposal of an outline for transition to a democratic Bangladesh free of discrimination’ at the Sagar-Runi Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters’ Unity Sunday.

• Protesters Plan "Long March to Dhaka" 

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has rescheduled its "Long March to Dhaka" to Monday and has called on all students in the country to come to Dhaka in a collective show of defiance, PTI reported.

• Overall Toll Rises to 300: Reports

As per the latest media reports, the overall death toll in Bangladesh violence has crossed 300.

• Railway Services Suspended:

In the wake of the violent clashes, the Bangladesh railways have suspended all services in the country.

• Three-Day General Holiday Announced:

The Bangladeshi government has announced a three-day general holiday from August 5-7 to control the student protest movement demanding PM Sheikh Hasina's resignation.

• 'Release Those Arbitrarily Detained': UN Chief Urges Govt to Stop Violence

Reacting to the Bangladesh protests, UN Rights Chief Volker Turk urged the government to end the "shocking violence" and get the situation back to normal as soon as possible.

"The government must cease targeting those participating peacefully in the protest movement, immediately release those arbitrarily detained, restore full internet access, and create conditions for meaningful dialogue."

The UN Rights Chief further said, “The continuing effort to suppress popular discontent, including through the excessive use of force, and the deliberate spread of misinformation and incitement to violence, must immediately cease.”

• Internet Services Suspended, Curfew Imposed

Mobile internet services in parts of Bangladesh have been suspended and a curfew was announced in Dhaka to shut down protests in the country. The curfew starts at 6 pm and will continue indefinitely.

• MEA Issues Advisory:

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), on Sunday, issued an advisory urging Indians to avoid travelling to Bangladesh, in the wake of the ongoing violent protests.

"All Indian nationals presently in Bangladesh are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements and remain in contact with the High Commission of India in Dhaka through their emergency phone numbers- 8801958383679, 8801958383680, 8801937400591," it said.

• 14 officials are among nearly 100 killed. Of the 14, 13 were killed in Sirajganj's Enayetpur police station. Meanwhile, over 300 police personnel were injured.
• At least 98 people have been killed in clashes, shootings and counter-chases across Bangladesh, PTI reported quoting Bengali-language newspaper Prothom Alo.

A fresh round of clashes erupted in Bangladesh over the weekend after nearly 100 people were killed while hundreds of others suffered injuries after clashes broke out between protesters and ruling party Awami League's supporters. The protesters gathered in different parts of the country demanding Sheikh Hasina's resignation. Following the violence, the Bangladeshi authorities were forced to cut off the internet across the country and impose a nationwide indefinite curfew.

The clashes broke out after protesters attending the non-cooperation programme under the Students Against Discrimination demanding Hasna to resign faced opposition from the supporters of the Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League activists.

This comes days after more than 200 people were killed in violent clashes between the police and mostly student protesters demanding an end to the controversial "quota system" that reserved almost 30 per cent of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh's War of Independence in 1971. Since then, more than 11,000 people have been arrested.