situational update – Politics & Policy media

Summary

Bangladesh has experienced significant political unrest and violence, with the following key events have taken place in the past 24 hrs:

Violence and Clashes: The protests, initially driven by demands for electoral reforms and an end to the quota system for government jobs, have escalated into violent clashes between protesters and security forces. Over 80 people, including at least 13 police officers, have been reported killed in these confrontations. Authorities have imposed a curfew and restricted internet access in an attempt to control the situation.
Prime Minister Resigns: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and reportedly fled the capital, Dhaka, amid the escalating violence. This development has intensified the political crisis, with opposition parties and protesters calling for the establishment of an interim government to oversee the next elections.
General Waker-uz-Zaman assumes control: The military, led by General Waker-uz-Zaman, stepped in to restore order, imposing a curfew and restricting internet access. General Waker-uz-Zaman announced the military’s takeover in a press conference, emphasising the need to address the protesters’ demands and promising to stabilise the situation.

The vote count for Pakistan’s recent election has concluded, with Imran Khan’s allies winning the most seats in the National Assembly, but not enough to form a majority.
With no single party having enough seats to create a government independently, hopes of ending political turmoil are dampened. Khan’s party has declared victory and is urging all institutions to respect its mandate.
However, there have been protests and petitions challenging the election results, and foreign governments have expressed concerns about irregularities and manipulation.
Khan’s populist rhetoric and the country’s internet-savvy youth are reshaping Pakistani politics. His party used social media and AI to reach voters and mobilize support, bypassing state censorship.