DHAKA: President Muhammad Shahabuddin ordered the release of Sheikh Hasina's political rival and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia after she left the country. 78-year-old Khaleda Zia was sentenced to 17 years in prison in 2018. The meeting presided over by President unanimously decided to release Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Khaleda Zia. Chief of Army Staff Wakar Uz Zaman, officers of various forces and opposition leaders attended the meeting.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who resigned on the ultimatum of the army, came to India seeking asylum when the anti-reservation movement broke out in Bangladesh. Her sister Sheikh Rehana is also accompanied her. The army, which had taken control of the country, began moving under the leadership of Waker Uz Zaman to immediately form an interim government. Ministerial Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the developments in Bangladesh.

Hasina was given an ultimatum by the army to resign within 45 minutes due to the strong agitation. After resigning at around 2.30 pm yesterday, she took of to India in a C-130 aircraft of the Bangladesh Air Force, after reaching the airport in a military helicopter from her official residence, Bangababan. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval received her at the Hindon air base in the Delhi border at 5 pm. It is reported that Hasina may go to London from India. Hasina is a leader who has good relations with India. Hasina attended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third swearing-in ceremony along with her daughter.

After leaving the country, the protesters stormed the Prime Minister's official residence and looted everything valuable. Hasina's father and father of the nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's statue was vandalized in Dhaka. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan's residence was set on fire. Dhaka Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has been closed.

The agitation was related to 30% reservation for dependents of freedom fighters. Last day, more than 100 people were killed in the clash between the ruling party Awami League workers and the protesters. An indefinite curfew and a three-day national holiday have been announced in the country. Courts closed indefinitely. Internet was cut off and social media was also banned.