Bangladesh Crisis: Sheikh Hasina Flees, Parliament Dissolved

Bangladesh Political Crisis: Sheikh Hasina Flees, Parliament Dissolved

Dhaka, Bangladesh — In a dramatic turn of events, Sheikh Hasina has resigned as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and fled the country. Her departure marks a significant moment in Bangladesh’s turbulent political landscape. Hasina landed in India on Monday at 5:36 pm, shortly after announcing her resignation.

Following her exit, Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin has declared the dissolution of Parliament. This decision came hours after Hasina’s departure and was announced during a high-level meeting involving Army, Navy, and Air Force Chiefs, as well as political leaders and civil society members.

Key Developments:

1. Sheikh Hasina’s Departure: Sheikh Hasina’s resignation follows intense political unrest. She arrived at the Hindon airbase near Delhi, where she is currently staying at a secure location. This marks the end of her 15-year tenure as Prime Minister, which has been marred by significant protests and violence.
2. Parliament Dissolution: President Shahabuddin’s decision to dissolve Parliament came in response to escalating unrest. The Parliament, formed after the January 2024 elections, is now dissolved, leading to an urgent need for an interim government.
3. Interim Government and Army Role: Bangladesh’s Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has announced the formation of an interim government. The interim administration will address the recent violence and political instability. General Waker-Uz-Zaman assured that no military or police personnel would engage in violent actions and emphasized the need for calm among the populace.
4. Protests and Violence: The political crisis was initially triggered by student protests demanding an end to the quota system for government jobs. The demonstrations turned violent on July 16, with clashes between protesters, police, and pro-government activists. The unrest led to the storming of Sheikh Hasina’s official residence, Ganabhaban, by protesters, resulting in widespread property damage.
5. India’s Response: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a cabinet meeting to discuss the Bangladesh crisis. India has historically maintained a good relationship with Bangladesh under Hasina’s leadership. The Border Security Force (BSF) has issued a high alert along the India-Bangladesh border, and train services to border areas have been suspended.
6. Release of Khaleda Zia: In a significant political move, President Shahabuddin announced the release of Khaleda Zia, Hasina’s longtime rival and former Prime Minister. This decision is expected to impact the political dynamics in Bangladesh as Zia returns to the political stage.
7. Foreign Involvement: The potential involvement of foreign powers in the crisis cannot be ruled out, according to former Indian Ambassador Harsh Vardhan Shringla. The unrest and political instability have attracted international attention.

Conclusion:

The current situation in Bangladesh remains fluid with significant developments unfolding. The dissolution of Parliament and the formation of an interim government are pivotal in addressing the ongoing crisis. The international community and regional neighbours like India are closely monitoring the situation as Bangladesh navigates through this turbulent period.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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