(Adds Sri Lanka paragraphs 8-9, Russia paragraph 16)

Aug 5 (Reuters) - Here are some reactions to the news

that Bangladesh's Sheikh Hasina has resigned as prime minister

and fled the country following violent street protests.

BANGLADESHIS IN LONDON

In Whitechapel, a London neighbourhood home to a large

Bangladeshi community, many took to the streets to celebrate.

Waving their national flag and honking car horns, they

chanted: "Bangladesh! Bangladesh!"

"Bangladesh has achieved its second independence now," said

Abu Sayem, 50. "We actually got our independence first in 1971

but autocrat Sheikh Hasina was ruling the country forcibly. She

has snatched away our rights. She has killed thousands of

children."

Cab driver Ishtiaque Choudhury said: "It is a relief for us

and I'm happy for my nation."

TARIQUE RAHMAN, EXILED ACTING CHAIRMAN OF OPPOSITION

BANGLADESH NATIONALIST PARTY.

"Hasina's resignation proves the power of the people.

"Together, let's rebuild Bangladesh into a democratic and

developed nation, where the rights and freedoms of all people

are protected," Rahman posted on X.

SRI LANKA FOREIGN MINISTER ALI SABRY

"We believe in the resilience and unity of the Bangladeshi

nation and hope for a swift return to peace and stability,"

Sabry said on X.

"May the people of Bangladesh find the strength to overcome

these challenges and emerge even stronger," he said.

U.S. SENATE MAJORITY LEADER CHUCK SCHUMER

"PM Hasina's violent reaction to legitimate protests made

her continued rule untenable. I applaud the brave protestors &

demand justice for those killed. It's critical to establish a

balanced interim government that respects the rights of all &

sets up democratic elections swiftly," Schumer said on X.

EUROPEAN UNION FOREIGN POLICY CHIEF JOSEP BORRELL

"It is vital that an orderly and peaceful transition towards

a democratically elected government is ensured, in full respect

of human rights and democratic principles ...

"Accountability for human rights violations is crucial.

Those who have been arbitrarily detained should be released

immediately."

BRITISH PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER'S SPOKESPERSON

"The very significant loss of life, including of students,

children and law enforcement officers, is completely

unacceptable.

"We call on the authorities to release all peaceful

protesters and ensure due process is followed for those charged

and prosecuted.

"We hope that swift action is taken to ensure that democracy

prevails and accelerate the process towards peace and security

to people in Bangladesh."

RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY

"Moscow ... hopes for a speedy return of internal political

processes to constitutional norms in a country friendly to us."

HENNES & MAURITZ (H&M)

A spokesperson for H&M, the world's second-biggest fashion

retailer, which has many suppliers in Bangladesh, said: "We are

concerned about the developments and the violence and hope for a

peaceful agreement."

HULA GLOBAL

Clothing manufacturer Hula Global, which serves major U.S.

store chains, said it had re-directed its apparel orders from

Bangladesh to India for the rest of the year because of the

unrest. "We do not want to risk our existing order book because

of the political turmoil," it said.

Garment factories in Bangladesh, which supply some of the

world's top brands, have been closed indefinitely.

GERMANY

A German Foreign Ministry spokesperson said it is "important

that Bangladesh continue on its democratic path".