DHAKA: The day after the military took control of Bangladesh, the country’s parliament became a focal point for jubilant protesters celebrating the end of Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic rule.
The protests, which began over a month ago and resulted in at least 422 deaths, reached a climax on Monday with the ouster of Hasina, who fled by helicopter to India.
Student Parvez Hossain, 30, among the celebrants outside the parliament, described the scene as a symbol of freedom for the younger generation. The building was empty of lawmakers following its dissolution, and protesters stormed it, jumping on tables and igniting what appeared to be smoke bombs.
“Now we have regained the freedom of Bangladesh,” Hossain said. “We want to rebuild the country anew.”
The unrest, sparked by student-led protests against civil service job quotas, evolved into mass demonstrations demanding Hasina’s resignation. Despite the bustling streets and reopened shops in Dhaka, at least 10 more people were killed on Tuesday, and security remained a concern.
The violence included attacks on police, with unions going on strike to protest the force’s handling of the demonstrations. In their absence, citizens, including students, stepped in to manage traffic.
Nazrul Islam, 60, a pharmaceutical worker, said the student protests had ignited widespread grievances. “Everyone had a hidden anger. Now we just want no dictator to come to power again,” he said.
The unrest also saw targeted violence against Hindu communities, seen by some as loyal to Hasina. Human rights groups and international diplomats have expressed concern over the attacks on religious and ethnic minorities.
Meanwhile, curious citizens explored the ransacked palace of the former leader, taking photographs of the trashed interiors and luxury.
With the military now overseeing an interim government, 60-year-old bicycle rickshaw driver Nurul Islam expressed relief at Hasina’s departure. “People didn’t have any peace for the last 15 years,” he said, resting in the lively streets of Dhaka.
