Bangladesh protesters have stormed the Prime Minister’s palace in Dhaka, turning what was once a symbol of power into a backdrop for a strange mix of rebellion and partying. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who’s had more terms in office than many can count on their fingers, resigned and fled the country faster than a chicken runs from a hungry dog.
The protesters, channeling a bit of that old revolutionary spirit, not only reclaimed the “people’s house” but also gave it a makeover that no one could have predicted. In a twist befitting of a local legend where the mighty are humbled, they were soon spotted lounging in Hasina’s luxurious bedroom, enjoying the sort of royal treatment that’s typically reserved for state visits and fancy weddings.
Among the treasures seized were Hasina’s prized Sarees, which she clearly couldn’t take along with her, and designer Dior suitcases that seemed to have been packed with more luxury than a typical bridal trousseau. The palace’s once-pristine refrigerators were raided for raw fish, and social media footage captured protesters dining like kings, sitting on tables, and taking selfies in rooms that were previously off limits.
The unrest, which has been as tumultuous as a Ugandan boda boda ride in rush hour, has left a trail of chaos over the past month. With 280 lives lost, including 13 police officers, and about 10,000 arrests, the situation has escalated faster than a local football match on a high stakes game day. The military chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, has promised to set up an interim government, hoping to stabilize the situation.
Mohammad Agha Ibrahimkhail, one of the protestors, took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share his moment of triumph: “This is the bed of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid. Today, it is open to an ordinary citizen.” It’s a sentiment that echoes the old saying that power doesn’t last forever, and sometimes, it’s the common people who get the last laugh.
Sheikh Hasina Wajid, the daughter of Bangladesh’s founder, fled to India without even officially resigning after an impressive five terms as Prime Minister. It seems that, in the end, the will of the people was too powerful to ignore, and the palace, once a symbol of her authority, now stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of political upheaval.
