Sheikh Hasina may not return to politics, says son: Report

Expressing his disappointment over the strong public sentiment against her government despite her efforts to transform the country, she has decided to quit, Sajeeb Wajed Joy said at BBC's World Service's Newshour program.

The 76-year-old five-time Prime Minister was forced to resign from her position earlier in the day after more than 300 people died in violent protests over a quota for government jobs in that country.

"She has turned Bangladesh around. When she took over power it was considered a failing state. It was a poor country. Until today it was considered one of the rising tigers of Asia," Joy said.

Over the last month, more than 300 people died in Bangladesh amid violent protests, which initially started over quota, and shortly transformed into a strong call for the Prime Minister to step down.

Sheikh Hasina's critics accused her of not just corruption and nepotism but also high-handedness and curtailing of civil liberties. These, many alleged, overshadowed the economic progress and development she had brought about.

Her son rejected allegations that the government had been heavy-handed in dealing with the protestors as well.

"You have had policemen beaten to death - 13 just yesterday. So what do you expect the police to do when mobs are beating people to death?" he said. Sheikh Hasina had been considering resigning since Sunday and had left the country for her own safety after her family insisted, he added.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Hasina landed at the Hindon Air Force base in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad.

She is expected to leave for London later where she may seek political asylum, NDTV reported quoting sources.

Sources told news agency ANI Sheikh Hasina's plane, a Bangladesh Air Force C-130 military transport, is parked near the Indian Air Force's C-17 and C-130J Super Hercules aircraft hangars.

Earlier in the day, the Bangladesh Army, which gave Sheikh Hasina 45 minutes to resign after her government couldn't control the violence, has taken charge of the country. In a televised address Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman said the military will form an "interim government" and told protesters to stand down.

"There is a crisis. I have met Opposition leaders and we have decided to form an interim government to run this country. I take all responsibility and promise to protect your life and property. Your demands will be fulfilled. Please stop the violence," the Army chief said.