Sheikh Hasina's exit sparks social buzz; some say 'Bangladesh architect Mujibur Rehman killed twice'

Following reports of Sheikh Hasina fleeing the country, thousands of Bangladeshi protesters defied the curfew and marched towards the Prime Minister's palace in Dhaka.

Protesters waved flags along the streets of Dhaka, and hundreds later breached the gates of Sheikh Hasina's official residence. Some individuals vandalized a statue of Ms. Hasina's father and former Bangladesh President, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in Dhaka. 

But Hasina's political life, like her country, began with violence. On Aug. 15, 1975, a group of military officers behind a coup assassinated her father, Sheikh Mujib Rahman, the first leader of independent Bangladesh. Mujibur Rahman had held continuous positions either as Bangladesh's president or as its prime minister from April 1971 until his assassination. 

Some say the brutal act, which also killed nearly her entire family, pushed her to consolidate unprecedented power and motivated her throughout her career in politics.

Sheikh Hasina's resignation and escape from Dhaka marks a new chapter in the country's tumultuous history.

The 76-year-old had secured a fourth consecutive term in a January election marred by controversy. The vote was boycotted by the main opposition parties, raising concerns about its legitimacy. In the lead-up to the polls, thousands of opposition members were jailed, which the government claimed was necessary to maintain order. Despite this, the election was touted as democratically held.

As the longest-serving leader in Bangladesh's history, Hasina has been at the helm of the predominantly Muslim nation of over 160 million people since 2009. 

Her tenure has been marked by accusations of growing authoritarianism from political opponents, who argue that she poses a threat to the country's democracy. Many now believe that the current unrest is a direct result of her alleged hunger for control and authoritarian streak.