Sheikh Hasina’s resignation as Bangladesh Prime Minister, following violent street protests, has evoked a mixed reaction around the world.
End Of Autocratic Rule
Some Bangladeshis living abroad are happy that the resignation of the 76 year- old Prime Minister, has ended her 15 year autocratic rule.
At the same time, spokespersons of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Foreign Ministry, hoped that democracy prevails in Bangladesh.
Bangladeshis In London
In Whitechapel, a London neighbourhood home to a large Bangladeshi community, many took to the streets to celebrate.
Waving their national flag and honking car horns, they chanted: “Bangladesh! Bangladesh!”
Liberation A Second Time
Abu Sayem, a middle-aged man, remarked, “Bangladesh has achieved its second independence now.”
He added, “We actually got our independence first in 1971 but autocrat Sheikh Hasina was ruling the country forcibly. ”
Abu alleged that Sheikh Hasina snatched away their rights and killed thousands of children.
Ishtiaque Choudhury, a taxi driver said: “It is a relief for us and I’m happy for my nation.”
Reaction Of Tarique Rahman, Exiled Acting Chairman Of Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party
Tarique Rahman, Exiled Acting Chairman Of Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party
“Hasina’s resignation proves the power of the people.
“Together, let’s rebuild Bangladesh into a democratic and developed nation, where the rights and freedoms of all people are protected,” Rahman posted on X.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Spokesperson
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said Sir Keir Starmer is ‘deeply saddened by the violence we’ve seen in Bangladesh in recent weeks’.
The spokesperson said,” The very significant loss of life, including of students, children and law enforcement officers, is completely unacceptable.”
Hope That Democracy Prevails
“We hope that swift action is taken to ensure that democracy prevails and accelerate the process towards peace and security to people in Bangladesh.”
“The right to peaceful protest must be protected and never subject to violence.”
The British PM’s spokesperson said “We call on the authorities to release all peaceful protesters.”
HENNES & MAURITZ (H&M)
H&M, the world’s second-biggest fashion retailer, also expressed concern over the developments and violence in Bangladesh.
A H&M spokesperson said, “We hope for a peaceful agreement. Our teams on the ground are continuously monitoring the developments.”
Hula Global
Clothing manufacturer Hula Global, which serves major U.S. store chains, said it had re-directed its apparel orders from Bangladesh to India for the rest of the year because of the unrest.
It further said, “We do not want to risk our existing order book because of the political turmoil,” it said.
In Bangladesh, German factories which supply some of the world’s top brands, have closed indefinitely.
Reaction From Germany
A German Foreign Ministry spokesperson declined to comment on the latest developments.
He however said that it is “important that Bangladesh continue on its democratic path”.
Japanese Ambassador To Bangladesh Met Hasina RecentlyÂ
On July 28, Japanese Ambassador IWAMA Kiminori met Sheikh Hasina and stressed that his government’s support hinges on restoration of normalcy.
