Bangladesh’s military announced on Monday Sheikh Hasina stepped down after protests against her government left scores dead. She reportedly has fled the country.
Local media say more than 90 people are dead after renewed protests on Sunday. Demonstrators demanded Hasina’s resignation after her government said it planned to reinstate quotas for public-sector jobs.
A high court decision in June ignited a series of protests. The court revived a system that reserved many of those coveted jobs for the families of so-called freedom fighters who fought for independence from Pakistan in 1971.
Students took to the streets last month, calling on the government to abolish the quota. At least 200 people are believed to have died across the country in clashes with police. Authorities have reportedly fired tear gas and rubber bullets at the crowds. Demonstrators have fiercely criticized Hasina, saying police have used excessive force.
Hasina’s second period as prime minister began in 2009. Opposition parties and human rights groups criticized her hardline politics.