Sheikh Hasina’s Last Hours: Fleeing Dhaka in 45 Minutes

The Dramatic Final Hours of Sheikh Hasina: A 45-Minute Escape from Dhaka

In a dramatic turn of events, Sheikh Hasina faced a perilous situation on Monday, with massive protests engulfing Dhaka. As lakhs of protestors surged towards her residence, Gonobhobon, demanding her resignation, Hasina’s top defense officials gave her just 45 minutes to pack up and flee the country.

The Crisis Unfolds

The crisis in Bangladesh on Monday was unprecedented. Protestors from the outskirts of Dhaka converged on Gonobhobon, the Prime Minister’s residence, in a unified demand for Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. The situation escalated rapidly, leaving Hasina with a critical decision: to use more force against her own people or to escape.

As the protestors approached, the atmosphere in Dhaka grew increasingly tense. By 10:30 am, Hasina was engaged in intense discussions with top officials, including the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with the Inspector General of Police (IGP). The Prime Minister expressed frustration over the security forces’ inability to control the situation, questioning why they had not been more aggressive with the protesters.

The Pressure Builds

Despite her attempts to maintain control, Hasina was pressured by her inner circle to transfer power to the military. Reports from the Dhaka-based newspaper Prothom Alo indicate that Hasina was reluctant to heed this advice. Instead, she enforced a tighter curfew and shut down internet services, but these measures proved ineffective.

By 9 am, Dhaka’s streets were filled with protestors defying the curfew. Hasina’s frustration grew as she witnessed the chaos, and the situation reached a tipping point.

The Decision to Flee

With the situation deteriorating, Hasina’s younger sister, Rehana, and her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, played crucial roles in convincing her to leave. Joy, who was abroad but served as an official adviser, managed to persuade Hasina to resign.

In the final moments before her departure, Hasina wished to record a farewell speech for the nation. However, with the protests closing in on Gonobhobon, there was no time for such gestures. Intelligence reports estimated that the protestors would reach the residence within 45 minutes, forcing Hasina to act swiftly.

The Hasty Departure

Sheikh Hasina and her sister quickly prepared for departure, arriving at the Tejgaon Air Base. After loading some belongings, they proceeded to Bongobhobon to submit her formal resignation, ending her 15-year rule in Bangladesh.

The helicopter carrying Hasina landed at a Border Security Force (BSF) helipad in Agartala, India, before moving to the Indian Air Force’s Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad. She was met by Indian officials, including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and is believed to be heading towards London.

A New Era for Bangladesh

Sheikh Hasina’s dramatic exit marks a significant turning point for Bangladesh. Her departure has created a power vacuum, opening the door to an uncertain yet potentially transformative period for the country. As the first top leader of Bangladesh to flee, Hasina’s last hours in Dhaka reflect the intensity and volatility of her final moments in power.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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