In a dramatic turn of events, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and reportedly fled the country following intense anti-government protests that have resulted in some of the worst violence Bangladesh has seen since its independence in 1971.

On Monday, Hasina and her sister were transported by army helicopter to safety, with media reports indicating that they are believed to be heading towards India. The resignation comes after weeks of escalating unrest, including a violent clash on Sunday that left at least 90 people dead, pushing the death toll from recent weeks to over 300.

Protests initially erupted in late June as students demanded the abolition of a quota system for government jobs, but they have since grown into a broader call for Hasina’s resignation after over two decades in power. Demonstrations turned violent as protesters stormed Hasina's official residence in Dhaka, defying a military-imposed curfew and internet clampdown.

The situation in Dhaka has been dire, with thousands of protesters breaching the prime minister's residence and widespread clashes with security forces and pro-government activists. The military has enforced a curfew and imposed internet blackouts in an effort to control the chaos, but these measures have only fueled further unrest. Broadband internet and mobile data services were briefly restored on Monday, but the government had earlier shut them down to curb the spread of information.

The violence has seen the closure of schools and universities, and the imposition of a “shoot-on-sight” curfew in some areas. The Supreme Court's recent ruling to reduce the veterans' quota for government jobs from 30% to 5% has not quelled the unrest, with protesters continuing to demand accountability for the violence.

As Bangladesh faces this unprecedented crisis, the country’s military chief, Gen. Waker-uz-Zaman, is expected to address the nation later today. The ruling Awami League party has accused opposition groups of orchestrating the unrest, while Hasina's opponents claim her leadership has become increasingly autocratic.

The turmoil marks a significant turning point in Bangladesh's political landscape, challenging Hasina’s 15-year tenure and leaving the nation in a state of uncertainty.