Bangladesh Protesters Storm Presidential Palace, Demand Resignation

Dhaka [Bangladesh], October 23, 2024: Protests erupted in Dhaka as members of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement gathered outside Banga Bhaban, the presidential palace, demanding the resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin. The group, which played a key role in ousting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina earlier this year, announced a 5-point demand at a rally in Dhaka, pushing for major political reforms.

“The President is a crony of Hasina’s authoritarian government. He must resign immediately,” stated a protester. Demonstrators faced barricades set by the army, but their chants continued late into the night.

The student-led group demands the abolition of the 1972 constitution, disqualification of MPs elected under Hasina’s leadership, and the announcement of a new Proclamation of the Republic. The movement follows a wave of anti-government protests that began in July, initially focused on abolishing the government job quota system but soon broadening to larger political grievances.

Amid escalating protests, Sheikh Hasina resigned on August 5, fleeing to India. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus subsequently formed an interim government, assuming leadership on August 8. President Shahabuddin, elected unopposed in 2023 under the Awami League, now faces increasing pressure as political tensions continue.