PM Modi Chairs Meeting on Bangladesh Crisis

PM Modi Chairs Cabinet Meeting Amid Bangladesh Crisis

In response to the escalating unrest in Bangladesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently overseeing a critical cabinet meeting to address the ongoing crisis. The situation has intensified following the resignation of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Sheikh Hasina’s Departure and Safe House

Sheikh Hasina, who recently resigned amid widespread anti-government protests, landed near Delhi at 5:36 pm on Monday. Her departure marks the end of her 15-year tenure as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister. Upon arrival, Hasina and her sister were escorted to a secure location at the Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad.

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met with Hasina at the airbase to discuss the crisis and her future steps. The transition has been closely monitored as tensions in Bangladesh continue to escalate.

Ongoing Crisis in Bangladesh

The unrest in Bangladesh has been severe, with recent student protests turning violent. Over 300 people have lost their lives in the clashes, which began as demonstrations against a quota system for government jobs. The situation deteriorated significantly when protesters stormed Bangladesh’s Parliament.

The Bangladesh Army Chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, has announced that an interim government will be established with military support. He emphasized that investigations will be conducted into the killings, and he has mandated that no military or police forces engage in further violence.

Security Measures and Border Alert

In response to the escalating crisis, the Border Security Force (BSF) has issued a high alert along the India-Bangladesh border. Both passenger and freight train services to the border regions have been suspended to prevent further complications.

International and Domestic Reactions

India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, has briefed Prime Minister Modi about the situation in Bangladesh. The Prime Minister’s cabinet meeting is focused on coordinating India’s response and ensuring regional stability.

The unrest has also seen significant acts of vandalism, including the desecration of a statue of Sheikh Hasina’s father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in Dhaka. Additionally, the involvement of foreign powers in the unrest has been suggested by former Indian Ambassador Harsh Vardhan Shringla.

Protests and Violence

The protests, which began peacefully, escalated on July 16 when clashes broke out between student activists and security forces. Authorities responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and imposed a curfew with a shoot-on-sight order. Internet and mobile data services were suspended to prevent further communication among protesters.

Despite the curfew, thousands of demonstrators marched toward Dhaka, clashing with heavily armed security personnel and storming Hasina’s official residence, Ganabhaban. The violence has left the city in turmoil as protesters continue to demand systemic change.

As the crisis unfolds, India’s government is closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary steps to ensure national security. The international community remains vigilant as the political landscape in Bangladesh continues to shift.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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