The protests initially started as a movement against the government’s job quota system but quickly escalated into widespread anti-government demonstrations. Students, activists, and opposition parties have been at the forefront, demanding Hasina’s resignation and an end to her 15-year rule. The situation intensified over the weekend, with violent clashes between protesters and security forces in Dhaka and other major cities.

On Sunday, the violence reached a peak, with reports of at least 98 people killed in a single day. The government responded by imposing a nationwide curfew and shutting down internet services in an attempt to control the situation. Despite these measures, the protests continued to grow, with tens of thousands of people taking to the streets.

In a dramatic turn of events, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her sister were evacuated from her official residence, Ganabhaban, to a safer location. Reports indicate that they were flown to India in a military helicopter. The army chief, Waker-Uz-Zaman, is expected to address the nation soon, with speculation that the military might take control to restore order.

The resignation of Sheikh Hasina marks the end of an era in Bangladeshi politics. She has been a dominant figure in the country’s political landscape, serving as Prime Minister since 2009. Her tenure has been marked by significant economic growth and development, but also by allegations of authoritarianism and human rights abuses.

The international community is closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh. There are concerns about the potential for further violence and instability in the region. Human rights organizations have called for restraint and dialogue to resolve the crisis peacefully.

The violence erupted in several towns and cities, including Liverpool, Hull, Bristol, Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent, Blackpool, and Belfast. Far-right groups organized demonstrations that quickly descended into chaos, with missiles thrown, shops looted, and police officers attacked. In Liverpool, bricks, bottles, and flares were hurled at police, resulting in injuries to several officers.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has condemned the violence and pledged full support to the police to take action against extremists attempting to sow hate. He emphasized the distinction between the right to freedom of expression and violent disorder.

The unrest has been fueled by false information spreading online, suggesting that the suspect in the murders was a radical Muslim migrant. This misinformation has sparked anti-immigration protests, with demonstrators shouting Islamophobic slurs and clashing with counter-protesters advocating for unity and tolerance.

In Sunderland, anti-immigration demonstrators threw stones at police near a mosque, overturned vehicles, and set a car alight. The police have increased their presence in anticipation of further violence, and mosques have tightened security.

The situation has been described as the worst unrest in the UK in 13 years, reminiscent of the riots in 2011. The government and police are working to restore order and address the underlying issues that have led to this surge in violence.

The protests have not only caused physical damage but have also deepened social divides. Far-right groups, including the English Defence League and Patriotic Alternative, have been identified as key players in organizing these demonstrations. They have used social media to spread false claims about the suspect’s identity and background, further inflaming tensions.

In response to the escalating violence, the government has announced a national response linking police forces across the country through shared intelligence and the expanded use of facial recognition technology. This coordinated effort aims to prevent further outbreaks of violence and ensure the safety of all citizens.

The unrest poses a significant challenge to Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership, as he navigates the complex landscape of public order, misinformation, and social cohesion. The Prime Minister has called for unity and urged the public to reject the divisive rhetoric of extremist groups.

As the UK braces for more potential protests, the focus remains on restoring peace and addressing the root causes of the unrest. The tragic events in Southport have highlighted the urgent need for accurate information and responsible discourse in the face of crisis.