Swift action should be taken to “ensure democracy prevails” in Bangladesh, Downing Street has said, after the country’s prime minister resigned.

Sheikh Hasina’s resignation ends her 15 years in power, and follows weeks of violent protests and clashes with security forces.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said Sir Keir Starmer is “deeply saddened by the violence we’ve seen in Bangladesh in recent weeks”.

“It’s obviously escalated in recent days. A 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 subjected to violence, and we call on the authorities to release all peaceful protesters and ensure due process is followed for those charged and prosecuted,” he added.

Following the resignation of Ms Hasina, the spokesman said: “I hope that swift action is taken to ensure that democracy prevails and accelerate the process towards peace and security to people in Bangladesh.”

Protesters stormed Ms Hasina’s official residence after demonstrators defied a military curfew to march in the capital, Dhaka.

The protests began peacefully in late June, as students sought an end to a quota system for government jobs, but turned violent after clashes between protesters and police and pro-government activists at Dhaka University.

The government’s attempts to quell the demonstrations with force, curfews and internet shutdowns backfired, prompting further outrage as nearly 300 people were killed and leading to demands for Ms Hasina’s resignation.

On Sunday, nearly 100 people were killed as the protesters clashed with security officials and the ruling party activists across the country.