Bangladesh's PM resigns after weekend violence leaves dozens dead

Bangladesh's Prime Minister has resigned and left the country, after protesters defied a military curfew and stormed her official residence, as ITV News Correspondent Sejal Karia reports

The prime minister of Bangladesh has resigned following a weekend of violence, which left almost 100 people dead.

Sheikh Hasina ended her 15-year tenure as PM after unrest rocked the country in recent weeks.

Thousands appeared to have entered Hasina’s official residence in Dhaka on Monday, following weeks of violent demonstrations and clashes with security forces.

Bangladesh’s military chief General Waker-uz-Zaman is expected to address the nation later on Monday.

Over the weekend the military imposed a curfew and limited access to the internet to attempt to stem the unrest.

Hundreds were injured in the violence in the capital Dhaka, and at least 14 police officers were killed in Sunday's violence, Bangladesh's leading newspaper Prothom Alo reported.

The demonstrations, which began with students marching for an end to a quota system for government jobs, have so far left more than 200 dead.

At least 11,000 people have been arrested in recent weeks, with the unrest resulting in the closure of schools and universities across the country.

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Protestors had called for a non-cooperation effort over the weekend, urging people to avoid paying taxes and utility bills, and not to show up to work on Sunday.

The protests began last month as students demanded an end to a quota system that reserved 30% of government jobs for the families of veterans who fought in Bangladesh’s war of independence against Pakistan in 1971.

Following the violence, the country's Supreme Court ruled the veterans’ quota must be cut to 5%, with 93% of jobs to be allocated on merit.

The remaining 2% will be set aside for members of ethnic minorities as well as transgender and disabled people, it decided.

Although the government accepted the decision, protesters have continued demanding accountability for the violence, which they blame on the use of force by authorities.

Ms Hasina's administration blamed the opposition parties and their student wings for instigating the violence.

She offered to talk with student leaders on Saturday, but a coordinator refused and announced a one-point demand for her resignation.

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