Reaction to resignation and flight of Bangladesh prime minister

People from the British Bangladeshi community react following the resignation of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in a park in East London, Britain, August 5, 2024. /Toby Melville

Here are some reactions to the news that Bangladesh's Sheikh Hasina has resigned as prime minister and fled the country following violent street protests.

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!"

"Bangladesh has achieved its second independence now," said Abu Sayem, 50. "We actually got our independence first in 1971 but autocrat Sheikh Hasina was ruling the country forcibly. She has snatched away our rights. She has killed thousands of children."

Cab driver Ishtiaque Choudhury said: "It is a relief for us and I'm happy for my nation."

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

"We are obviously deeply concerned by the violence we've seen in Bangladesh in recent weeks and that has obviously escalated in recent days. The very significant loss of life, including of students, children and law enforcement officers, is completely unacceptable.

"The right to peaceful protest must be protected and never subject to violence and we call on the authorities to release all peaceful protesters and ensure due process is followed for those charged and prosecuted.

"We hope that swift action is taken to ensure that democracy prevails and accelerate the process towards peace and security to people in Bangladesh."

HENNES & MAURITZ (H&M)

A spokesperson for H&M, the world's second-biggest fashion retailer, which has many suppliers in Bangladesh, said: "We are concerned about the developments and the violence and 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. "We do not want to risk our existing order book because of the political turmoil," it said.

Garment factories in Bangladesh, which supply some of the world's top brands, have been closed indefinitely.

GERMANY

A German Foreign Ministry spokesperson declined to comment on the latest developments, saying only that it is "important that Bangladesh continue on its democratic path".