According to the Election Commission of Bangladesh (ECB), over 127 million voters will cast their votes across 42,761 polling centres in 64 districts for 300 parliamentary constituencies. 

Here’s what you should know about Hasina:

Beginnings

Political career

Struggles and exile

Sentenced to death

The ruling marks a dramatic turn in Bangladesh’s politics. Hasina, a three-time prime minister and daughter of the country’s founding father, has been a central figure in Bangladesh for decades, credited with major economic and social reforms. 

The tribunal’s decision fulfills a promise by interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus to hold former leaders accountable for the “July Revolution,” which began peacefully but turned violent after government suppression.

University student Muhibullah Al Mashnun, 23, expressed frustration over the political symbolism tied to the residence and past leadership.

"The statues of Sheikh Mujib that have been brought down, those were less the statues of Sheikh Mujib, they were more the statues of dictatorship. The dictatorship evolved here, keeping its statue in the front of us for the last 16 years," Mashnun said in an interview with AFP. "In the name of the spirit of liberation war , in the name of the spirit of Sheikh Mujib, this dictatorship stood still in the last 16 years."

Tanzim Wahab, who is overseeing the museum's conversion, outlined the site's intended purpose.

"It is supposed to be used as a forum for democratic thought. There will be a stage here, various events will take place here, and there will be conversations here. We want young people to become stakeholders in Gono Bhaban, to use it as a platform for discussing democratic ideas, new thinking, and how to build a new Bangladesh," Wahab said.

Human rights advocate and documentary photographer Mosfiqur Rahman Johan, 27, emphasised the symbolic importance of the site.

"Gono Bhaban is a symbol of fascism, and also the symbol of an autocratic regime. For me, this is the place where everything has been done by Hasina and her mercenaries," Johan said. Thousands of demonstrators entered the residence after Hasina and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, fled by helicopter on August 5, arriving in Delhi via Agartala. The walls of the palace remain marked by graffiti denouncing her leadership.

Witnesses reported that armed demonstrators wielding sticks, hammers, and other tools converged at the historic house and independence monument late Wednesday. Some brought heavy machinery, including a crane and excavator, to demolish the site.

“The students and people of this country realize that change only comes after an uprising. As long as the old constitution is not repealed and Chuppu is not removed, I will continue this hunger strike,” Shipon told the AFP.

Shipon’s protest is barely noticeable amidst the dozens of other demonstrations taking place on the same busy thoroughfare. Nearby, a group of government land office employees chanted demands for better pay and working conditions, while a solitary protestor urged the government to safeguard Sufi religious shrines.

In another part of the city, a human chain is forming to protest the anonymous death threats against a university official.

For over 15 years, Hasina's government imposed draconian restrictions on public gatherings, silencing voices of opposition. But with her departure, these restrictions have been lifted, unleashing a flood of protests.

"Before, we could not even stand in the streets to voice our concerns," says Bulbul Ahmed, a 30-year-old protestor. "Now, we can. And we are standing here to make our demands known to the new government of Yunus." Ahmed is referring to the newly appointed administration of economist and former UN official Muhammad Yunus, who assumed leadership after Hasina's removal. However, his government has yet to quell the rising tide of public unrest.

The protests are not just limited to the streets; they are also being voiced in legal and academic circles. Mohammad Shishir Manir, a 42-year-old lawyer, explains the broader constitutional context behind these demonstrations. "Freedom of speech is a fundamental right enshrined in our Constitution. No one can impose restrictions on an individual's right to speak, appear in public, or express their thoughts," Manir says. “The awareness of these rights is crucial for a functioning democracy.”

Sarker noted that Petrobangla has already shared its recommendations with the Energy and Mineral Resources Division.

“We do hope that the division will soon take its final decision in this regard,” Sarker told reporters, highlighting the importance placed on industrial sectors when allocating gas resources to support economic priorities.

This decision follows a policy introduced under ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s government in April, which restricted new electricity and gas supplies to factories built outside of government-designated economic zones or industrial enclaves.

The policy aimed to concentrate industrial growth in specified areas to streamline resource management and support regional planning.

Hasina also encouraged industrialists to self-fund energy production rather than rely on government subsidies , creating a pathway toward energy independence for industries. This approach aimed to reduce pressure on the national grid and ensure that resources reached critical sectors.

As of recent data , about 85% of the population has access to electricity, a substantial increase from just 20% in 2000. Despite these improvements, the country has experienced significant blackouts in recent years due to issues like natural gas shortages and infrastructure problems.

Since the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Hindu population has faced a series of targeted attacks in the Muslim-majority country.

However, Hindu devotees, amid the spate of attacks stepped out in large numbers on the culmination of the festival.

"We no longer feel any fear. Whatever concerns we had are now gone. There is nothing left to fear," said Kumar Mondal, a 50-year-old devotee, reflecting a sentiment of cautious relief among the celebrants.

For some, like 29-year-old music teacher Mitu Ghosh, initial fears remained. "We were celebrating the Puja with some apprehension, wondering what might happen at any moment. However, things are going well now. While there have been some incidents of vandalism that make us a bit sad, we are still celebrating the Puja," she said.

Jibon Chandra Pal, a 55-year-old Bangladeshi expatriate, shared a similar sentiment. "There was an incident in the Tanti Bazar neighbourhood in Dhaka on Friday, but it was a mugging, nothing too serious. The way we are celebrating now is what matters most," he said, noting that the anticipated violence did not occur.

Hindus make up approximately 8% of Bangladesh's 170 million population, translating to around 13 million people, making Hinduism the second-largest religion in the country after Islam.

Interim leader Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel laureate, has been criticised for not doing enough to protect the Hindu minority. Reports suggest that hardline Islamist groups have gained increasing political influence and visibility since the fall of Hasina, raising concerns about the safety of the Hindu community.

Ordered by Muhammad Yunus , the leader of the new caretaker government, reopening marks a significant step towards restoring normalcy in the capital, Dhaka.

"When the metro was shut down, I had to travel by bus. That was the only mode of transport I could use. I had to face many jams, but there was no jam on the metro. It used to take two hours on the bus but with the metro, I can reach my destination in 15 minutes," said Kaosar Khan, a metro commuter told AFP.

The Dhaka Metro was inaugurated in 2022 and has been one of the key infrastructure projects of Hasina's tenure.

Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and nine others are under investigation for genocide and crimes against humanity during a mass movement against her government. The complaints accuse them of orchestrating a violent crackdown on student protesters, resulting in widespread casualties and human rights violations, NDTV reports. The investigation outcome will be communicated to the tribunal within seven days. Over 230 people died in the violence following the fall of the Hasina government, and a caretaker government has been formed to address administrative and political reforms.

Persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed hope that the situation in violence-hit Bangladesh will soon normalize. He noted that 140 crore Indians are concerned about the safety of Hindus and minorities there. According to BS , during his Independence Day speech, Modi emphasised India's commitment to peace and support for Bangladesh's development. His remarks come amid concerns over attacks on the Hindu community in Bangladesh, following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and flight to India on August 5 after weeks of unrest.

UN team's visit

A UN fact-finding team will visit Bangladesh to investigate atrocities committed during deadly protests that toppled the prime minister. The unrest left at least 300 people dead and thousands injured, with more than 11,000 people arrested. The new interim government, led by Nobel-winning economist Muhammad Yunus, has pledged to prioritise human rights and seek UN cooperation to rebuild the country. This will be the first time the UN has sent a fact-finding mission to investigate human rights abuses in Bangladesh. Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina is facing charges of murder, genocide, and crimes against humanity, Arab News reports.

Students attack Hasina supporters

Student protesters and political activists in Bangladesh attacked supporters of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to guard the student-led “revolution” and prevent them from reaching the house of her father, the assassinated independence leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. As reported by Aljazeera , Hasina's government was accused of human rights abuses and the UN is set to investigate the atrocities committed during the protests that led to her ouster.

Experts surprised by Bangladeshi 'revolution'

The recent Bangladesh crisis surprised India, highlighting the need to rethink its neighbourhood strategy. Experts advise India to develop its political, economic, and military power independently to become a credible force in the region. The Hindu also emphasises the importance of maintaining control over the Indian Ocean Region and collaborating with neighbouring countries to prevent intelligence failures in the future. The potential involvement of China in Bangladesh adds a new layer of complexity to the situation, requiring India to tread carefully in the coming months.

Quasem shared with AFP that he was blindfolded, handcuffed, and taken to a secret facility known as the "House of Mirrors" (Aynaghar), run by army intelligence. This facility was designed to ensure that detainees never saw anyone else, keeping them in complete isolation.

Throughout his incarceration, Quasem was shackled around the clock in windowless solitary confinement, with guards under strict orders not to relay any news from the outside world.

I consider myself a religious devout, and I found solace in the belief that this world is not the end, there is another one. I came to stomach the fact that this is where I'll have to die. Either I'll die here, or if there is any situation the autocratic regime has to leave, they'll most probably kill us not to keep any evidence behind," he said.

Quasem's release came unexpectedly after political upheaval and the collapse of Hasina's autocratic rule. Blindfolded and handcuffed, he was driven to the outskirts of Dhaka and thrown into a muddy ditch, finally free but with no knowledge of the national events that had led to his release.

"This entire thing, it was made possible by a few teenagers. This revolution, the forefront was teenagers and they call them Gen Z. The students were doing things that no one had done before. Police have disappeared in the streets. You see students controlling the traffic, you see students doing the work which the government is supposed to do. When you see things like that, I find hope," Quasem praised the bravado of student protestors.

By covering up slogans accusing Hasina of murder and calling for her resignation, they aim to symbolise a fresh start for the nation.

"When the protest first started, many slang and negative comments were painted here. We are erasing those comments and painting murals over so that our younger generation won't be using those comments," Fiyaz Hossain said.

For these young activists, whitewashing the walls represents true independence and a new beginning.

"Mainly, we're painting a bird being freed from a cage. That means we're an independent Bangladesh. We have freedom!" Abir Hossain, a student volunteer painting murals over political graffiti said.

They argue that by removing the remnants of the past conflict, they are paving the way for a more unified and hopeful future.

"The main reason we're painting these murals is that we want to deliver a message to the people that have liberated this country from a dictator and now we have to work together. The people will see and understand these messages that if the students and all of the people work together, we can rebuild this country," Nafisa Sara, another student volunteer shared with AFP.

This comes after the military chief of Bangladesh, General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced the resignation of the former PM who fled the country on Monday, August 5.

Despite the resolution of protesters to have no other government apart from the one they approve of, analysts believe the military will play a 'major role' in the new government behind the scenes.

"The role of the military is very unclear and it does appear that the military leadership will have a major role in overseeing, managing this interim setup, even if it's not formally heading it," the director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Centre, Michael Kugelman said.

Michael explained that the prospect of a long-term interim government in Bangladesh raises concerns among citizens, who perceive the military as more politically inclined than before.

"Many in Bangladesh will worry that if you have a long-term interim government, that gives the military more of an opportunity to gain a foothold and try to have more influence over politics. Though, I would argue that Bangladesh's army today appears much less inclined to play an activist and central role in politics, compared to how it used to be several decades back," he added.

Born in 1940 in Chittagong, British India (now Bangladesh), Muhammad Yunus has dedicated his life to combating poverty.

He founded the Grameen Bank in 1983, introducing the concept of microcredit small loans given to impoverished entrepreneurs who lack access to traditional banking services.

In 2006, Yunus and the Grameen Bank were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to create economic and social development from below. The Nobel Committee recognised their work as a powerful tool for achieving lasting peace by addressing the root causes of poverty.

Recent protests in Bangladesh, sparked by discontent with the government and demands for reform, have led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Amidst the turmoil, protesters have called for Yunus to head an interim government.

Yunus has expressed his willingness to take on this role, viewing it as an opportunity to further his lifelong social and economic justice mission.

Nahid Islam, a 26-year-old sociology student who led the protest against government job quotas, confirmed Yunus's acceptance in a social media video.

“We want to see the process rolling by the morning,” Islam said late Monday, August 5. “We urge the president to take steps as soon as possible to form an interim government headed by Dr. Yunus.”

Islam added that the student protesters would soon announce additional names for the government, posing a significant challenge for the current leadership to disregard their selections.

After she fled the country by helicopter, mobs set fire to TV stations and looted her residence, while deadly clashes left at least 356 people dead.

Witnesses reported jubilation as protesters celebrated atop Hasina’s home, waving flags and expressing relief at her exit.

"I can’t express my feelings in words. I’m so happy. I am in a new environment, I can’t express it in words. I’m so happy. Now my only wish is to take care of all the families of the killed people and students and to deliver justice. We want justice," said Mohammad Bashir who was among hundreds of thousands celebrating in the streets in the capital Dhaka.

Social media was abuzz with celebration messages, with many sharing “Happy Independence Day” greetings.

Protesters took revenge on Hasina’s legacy by destroying statues of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and setting fire to a museum dedicated to him.

"We’ve been freed from a dictatorship," a protestor told AFP, calling it a “Bengal uprising.”

The violence became one of the deadliest days of unrest since the protests began. What started as demonstrations against civil service job quotas last month has now expanded into widespread calls for the 76-year-old Prime Minister to resign.

On Sunday alone, at least 77 people were killed, including 14 police officers. The violence saw clashes between rival groups armed with sticks and knives, while security forces responded with rifle fire.

The death toll since the protests began in July has now reached at least 283.

Police reported that protesters attacked a station in the northeastern town of Enayetpur, where 11 officers were killed. Bijoy Basak, a deputy inspector general, described the incident as an attack by "terrorists."

In the face of escalating violence, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country on Monday.

In Dhaka, AFP journalists reported hearing continuous gunfire after dark as protesters defied a nationwide curfew. The violence resulted in at least 12 deaths in the capital, with several victims suffering bullet wounds, and 18 fatalities in the northern district of Sirajganj.