Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Flees to India Amid Chaos

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Flees to India Amid Protests; Thousands Storm Residence

Introduction: In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, along with her sister Sheikh Rehana, has been flown to India amidst escalating protests and violence in Dhaka. The unrest has prompted a nationwide curfew and left over 100 people dead. This article provides an in-depth look at the situation and its implications.

The Flight of Sheikh Hasina: On Monday, reports emerged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was transported to India via a military helicopter. The helicopter reportedly departed from the Bangabhaban, the official residence in Dhaka, at 2:30 p.m. local time. Sheikh Hasina’s unexpected departure comes amidst widespread protests demanding her resignation, with crowds reportedly storming her official residence.

Protests and Clashes: The protests began early Sunday morning, fueled by demands for Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. The situation quickly deteriorated into violent clashes between protesters and supporters of the ruling Awami League party. Police used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowds, leading to significant unrest across various regions of Bangladesh.

Impact on Security and Services: The escalating violence has had a profound impact on daily life in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Railways has suspended all services indefinitely, and many garment factories have also been closed. The security situation remains volatile, with reports of 14 police officers killed and over 300 wounded in the clashes.

Government and Military Response: Amid the turmoil, Sheikh Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, has called on security forces to prevent any forceful takeover of the government. He emphasized the need to uphold the constitution and protect the country’s progress. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has been engaged in talks with various political parties and stakeholders, but has not explicitly stated his support for either side.

International Reaction: The United Nations has condemned the violence, with human rights chief Volker Turk describing it as “shocking.” The UN has called for an end to the violence, which has claimed at least 300 lives since the protests began in early July. In response to the crisis, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has advised Indian nationals to exercise extreme caution and avoid traveling to Bangladesh.

Public Sentiment and Future Prospects: As the situation continues to unfold, public sentiment remains deeply divided. Sheikh Hasina has labeled the protesters as “terrorists” and called for suppression of what she describes as “sabotage.” The Bangladesh Army has pledged to stand by the people, but its stance remains ambiguous.

The current crisis in Bangladesh highlights the deep-seated political divisions and the volatile nature of the situation. As Sheikh Hasina seeks refuge in India, the future of Bangladesh’s political landscape remains uncertain. Continued international attention and diplomatic efforts will be crucial in addressing the ongoing crisis and restoring stability to the region.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

See Full Bio