Bangladesh PM resigns, Army Chief announces interim gov't

By Shakir Husain

NEW DELHI, Aug 5 (Bernama) -- Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on Monday after deadly protests against her rule.

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman in an address to the nation said an interim government will be formed.

The army chief appealed for calm and an end to the student-led mass protests.

He said people should have trust in the army to improve the situation.

"We have invited representatives from all major political parties, and they have accepted our invitation and committed to collaborating with us," he said.

The army chief promised that those who committed atrocities against protesters will face justice.

"We will also ensure that justice is served for every death and crime that occurred during the protests," he said.

Sheikh Hasina, 76, and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, left the capital Dhaka on a military helicopter and were headed to India, Bangladeshi media reported.

Protesters earlier entered the prime minister's official residence Ganobhaban.

She wanted to record a speech before leaving, but did not get an opportunity in the swift turn of events.

Hasina's downfall came following weeks of protests, which were initially directed against a government job reservation system but later turned into a mass movement against the Awami League's rule.

More than 300 people have died and thousands injured in the unrest since mid-July as Hasina's government unleashed a crackdown on protesters.

At least 98 people were killed in violent clashes on Sunday.

Hasina ruled the nation of 170 million people between 1996 and 2001, and again since 2009.

She won her fourth consecutive term in office and the fifth overall in January this year in the parliamentary election boycotted by the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Security has been heightened along the India-Bangladesh border amid reports that Hasina was to cross into India via the Tripura state border.

-- BERNAMA