29 bodies of Awami League leaders found as violence grips Bangladesh post-Hasina’s resignation

At least 29 bodies of Awami League leaders and their family members have found across Bangladesh, following the resignation and departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in face of anti-government protests.

The crisis erupted amid demonstrations over a controversial quota system. The government tried to impose a crackdown on the protestors resulting in deadly clashes with security forces that escalated into a widespread call for Hasina’s resignation.

The death toll from the unrest has now surpassed 400, according to reports media and official sources.

In Satkhira, the aftermath of Hasina’s resignation saw at least 10 people killed, with houses and businesses belonging to Awami League leaders looted and vandalised.

Similarly, in Cumilla, 11 people, including five teenagers, were killed as a mob set a three-storey building ablaze.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos and tragedy as residents were trapped on the upper floors, succumbing to smoke inhalation and flames.

Further violence was reported in Bogra, where two leaders of the Jubo League, the youth wing of the Awami League, were hacked to death by a mob.

The body of Jubo League leader Mushfiqur Rahim was discovered under a bridge in Sonagazi Upazila, highlighting the widespread nature of the attacks.

Several Hindu temples were also reportedly attacked in the aftermath. Leaders of the protesting students blamed the attack on religious sites on supporters of the Awami League.

In a bid to restore order, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been appointed as the chief adviser of the interim government.

His selection was made following consultations led by President Mohammed Shahabuddin, with the hope that Yunus’s leadership can navigate the country through this period of turmoil.