Bangladesh protest: PM Hasina moves to safer location amid unrest; resignation 'likely'

Bangladesh protest: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reportedly left Dhaka palace for a 'safer place' amid violent protests.

The development comes as a new surge of violence erupted in several Bangladeshi cities, including the capital, Dhaka on Sunday. The clashes between student protesters, police, and ruling party activists resulted in nearly 300 deaths and numerous injuries. 

"She and her sister have left Ganabhaban (the Prime Minister's official residence) for a safer place...She wanted to record a speech. But she could not get an opportunity to do that," AFP reported, citing a source close to the leader.

This comes as Bangladesh's army leader, Waker-Uz-Zaman, prepares to address the nation after 98 people were killed in fierce clashes yesterday, bringing the total death toll since protests began last month to more than 300.

Hasina's son urged the country's security forces to prevent any takeover of her rule, while a senior advisor told AFP that her resignation was a "possibility" after being asked if she would quit.

Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators demanding PM Hasina's resignation violated curfew and marched across the capital's streets.

Soldiers and police with armoured vehicles sealed routes to Hasina's office in Dhaka with barbed wire, according to AFP, while large masses rushed the streets, knocking down barriers.