How citizens and Bangladesh-based firms reacted to ex-PM Hasina's ouster

The Bangladesh unrest has triggered a flurry of responses from various stakeholders both within Bangladesh and around the globe.

The resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, confirmed by Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman on Monday, has triggered a flurry of responses from various stakeholders both within Bangladesh and around the globe.

The head of the Bangladesh Army stated that there was no need for a curfew or an emergency in the nation and that a resolution to the problem would be reached by tonight.

The Army chief added that key political party officials from Bangladesh were present and having discussions with the Army. Additionally, he asked the students who were protesting to settle down and return home.

Here are some reactions by companies and citizens around the world to the news of Sheikh Hasina's resignation amid violent protests in Bangladesh

In Whitechapel, London—a neighborhood known for its significant Bangladeshi community—many have taken to the streets to celebrate the news. Residents, waving the Bangladeshi flag and honking car horns, expressed their relief and joy. Abu Sayem, 50, remarked, “Bangladesh has achieved its second independence now. We actually got our independence first in 1971, but autocrat Sheikh Hasina was ruling the country forcibly. She has snatched away our rights and has been responsible for many atrocities.” Cab driver Ishtiaque Choudhury echoed these sentiments, saying, “It is a relief for us, and I’m happy for my nation.”

Tarique Rahman, the exiled acting chairman of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, seized the moment to highlight the potential for change. On X (formerly Twitter), Rahman posted, “Hasina’s resignation proves the power of the people. Together, let’s rebuild Bangladesh into a democratic and developed nation, where the rights and freedoms of all people are protected.”

Hula Global, a prominent clothing manufacturer with significant operations in Bangladesh, has decided to shift its orders to India for the remainder of the year. The company stated, “We do not want to risk our existing order book because of the political turmoil.” The decision highlights the immediate impact of the unrest on global supply chains, with garment factories in Bangladesh, known for supplying major international brands, being closed indefinitely.

H&M, the world's second-largest fashion retailer with numerous suppliers in Bangladesh, has expressed its concern about the situation. An H&M representative stated, “We hope for a peaceful agreement and are concerned about the developments and violence.” The company assured that their local teams are closely monitoring the situation, reflecting the broader anxieties of businesses reliant on the stability of Bangladesh’s garment sector.

Reacting to the developments in Bangladesh, Tharoor said, "It is very worrying, as you know some 300 lives have been lost since July 1 when the problem started...that has already been a matter of grave concern to all of us." "Our neighbor, Bangladesh, is home to people who are, at the at least, our own brothers, sisters, or cousins. As such, events there have a profound impact on our neighborhood. India encircles Bangladesh on three sides, making it a very serious worry, the former state minister for external affairs said PTI.

Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister of West Bengal, made a plea to political figures on Monday, urging them not to jeopardize the state's calm by making any controversial remarks about the Bangladesh issue. Banerjee went on, "I call on people from all communities to keep calm, refrain from acting in a group manner, and refrain from enforcing the law on their own." The governments of Bangladesh and India will investigate any issues that our brothers and sisters in Bangladesh may be experiencing. We'll follow the GoI's instructions. I implore political party leaders and all others to refrain from posting anything that could upset the tranquility in this place.

"We are obviously deeply concerned by the violence we've seen in Bangladesh in recent weeks and that has obviously escalated in recent days. The very significant loss of life, including of students, children and law enforcement officers, is completely unacceptable.

"The right to peaceful protest must be protected and never subject to violence and we call on the authorities to release all peaceful protesters and ensure due process is followed for those charged and prosecuted.

"We hope that swift action is taken to ensure that democracy prevails and accelerate the process towards peace and security to people in Bangladesh."

A German Foreign Ministry spokesperson declined to comment on the latest developments, saying only that it is "important that Bangladesh continue on its democratic path".