Bangladesh faces an uncertain future after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday resigned and fled the country amid deadly mass protests. The demonstrations came as Hasina increasingly faced allegations of authoritarianism and sharp criticism from top human rights groups.
She referred to the protesters as “terrorists,” and the demonstrations were met with deadly force by security forces. The student-led protests began over quotas for government jobs but morphed into a broader movement against Hasina, who won a fourth term in January in an election that was boycotted by the opposition.
What happens next? Army Chief Gen. Waker-Uz-Zaman, who announced Hasina’s resignation, says an interim government will be formed in the days to come.
Zaman is calling for calm. “I promise you all, we will bring justice to all the murders and injustice. We request you to have faith in the army of the country,” he said in a message to the public. “Please don't go back to the path of violence and please return to non-violent and peaceful ways.”
US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer applauded the “brave protestors” in a tweet on Monday and called for elections to be held soon. “It’s critical to establish a balanced interim government that respects the rights of all & sets up democratic elections swiftly,” Schumer wrote. The White House also emphasized the need for the formation of a “democratic and inclusive” interim government. We’ll be watching to see if the interim government, once formed, takes steps toward new elections.
Protest leaders say they will not accept a military-led government, and on Tuesday, one of their key demands was met when the country’s parliament was dissolved, paving a path for an interim government.
GZERO’s very own MD Khan, who has family members in Bangladesh who have seen the protests firsthand, says “people are excited but nervous” about what comes next, and there is concern that “what should be a new Bangladesh can quickly turn into mob rule” unless level-headed leaders take charge, unite the people, and put political ambitions aside.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with President of the European Council António Luís Santos da Costa, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi, India, on Jan. 27, 2026.
On Tuesday, the world’s largest single market and the world’s most populous country cinched a deal that will slash or reduce tariffs on the vast majority of the products they trade.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has repeatedly tussled with US President Donald Trump, whereas Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has tried to placate him. The discrepancy raises questions about the best way to approach the US leader.
10,000: The number of Hamas officers that the militant group reportedly wants to incorporate into the US-backed Palestinian administration for Gaza, in the form of a police force.
Walmart is investing $350 billion in US manufacturing. Over two-thirds of the products Walmart buys are made, grown, or assembled in America, like healthy dried fruit from The Ugly Co. The sustainable fruit is sourced directly from fourth-generation farmers in Farmersville, California, and delivered to your neighborhood Walmart shelves. Discover how Walmart's investment is supporting communities and fueling jobs across the nation.