The people of Bangladesh ousted the country’s prime minister Sheik Hasina yesterday, August 5, amid massive protests against her rule. In a scene reminiscent of the Filipinos’ ousting of the dictator Ferdinand Marcos’ family, Hasina and her family were forced to leave their residence and quickly board a helicopter that flew them out of the country. Hasina is currently exiled in India.

Hasina was ousted a day after the country’s bloodiest protests, in which police opened fire on thousands of protesters, instantly killing more than 90 and injuring hundreds.

Protests began within the universities against the quota system for employment in the civilian bureaucracy. Resistance quickly grew after Hasina’s forces repeatedly attacked demonstrations. Hasina imposed curfew, blocked internet access, shut down universities and the media. Protesting citizens called for Hasina’s ouster at the height of police brutality. In total, more than 300 have been killed since protests erupted in June.

At the center of the protests by students and citizens of Bangladesh is the severe economic crisis, and the lack of jobs and opportunities in the country. The only decent jobs in the country, especially for college graduates, are government jobs which had been limited because of the quota system. The Supreme Court has already reformed this system in the second week of July.

Hasina is president of the ruling party, the Awami League. She has been in office as prime minister for fifteen years.