BANGLADESHI Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country today as thousands of protesters stormed her official residence.

Ms Hasina, who has been prime minister since 2009 and held the office previously from 1996-2001, was seen boarding a military helicopter with her sister as weeks of protests came to a climax. She reportedly landed in India.

Head of the army General Waker uz-Zaman addressed the nation, saying he had met opposition politicians and civil society leaders and would seek guidance from the president on forming an interim government.