By SM Najmus Sakib
DHAKA, Bangladesh (AA) – After a month-long student protest in Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh as Prime Minister for 15 years, resigned and fled the country on Monday as student and civilian protesters took over her official residence in the capital Dhaka.
The Awami League, her party, held onto power in national elections this January that were boycotted by all opposition parties.
Since then, she has faced criticism from the US and its allies but received unconditional support from neighboring India and China. With their backing, Hasina was able to withstand the criticism for some time.
However, last month, students started protests against discrimination in public job recruitment, which put renewed pressure on the government after a court reinstated controversial quotas for government jobs. Here is a timeline of the student protest that led to Hasina's resignation and the end of her 15-year-long rule.
June 5
Court reinstates quota system for public jobs that was abolished in 2018
July 1
Students announce protests calling for reforms to quota system
July 4
Student protests grow after higher court delays hearing on government appeal to challenge High Court verdict
July 14
Dhaka University students take to streets after Sheikh Hasina labels students grandsons of “Razakar,” a force which fought against Bangladesh’s independence in 1971
July 16
Student protests spread across campuses, take unprecedented turn after six students killed by police gunfire
July 19
Rejecting government calls to wait for apex court order on quota system, students announce nationwide shutdown
July 20
Government imposes military curfew, complete internet blackout, as over 266 people are killed, mostly in clashes with law enforcement agencies
Aug. 1
Government bans opposition group Jamaat-e-Islami, cracks down on protesters, opposition parties, continues blaming them for instigating student protests
Aug. 3
Students reject government call for negotiation, announce non-cooperation movement on Hasina’s resignation
Aug. 4
At least 93 people are killed in fresh violence as students demand government step down
Aug 5
Hasina flees to India along with her sister after protesters took control of the prime minister’s official residence in the capital, Dhaka.