August 5, Jammu: Sheikh Hasina resigned as Bangladesh Prime Minister and arrived in India at 5:36 pm on Monday after violent clashes that have killed over 300 people and over 1,000 injured so far. She has been given 45 minutes to resign by the army, which has assumed power and established a “interim government.
Key Takeaways:
•Bangladesh Army chief says interim government to be formed
•Sheikh Hasina resigns as Bangladesh PM, arrives in India
•Her flight landed at the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad
The protests began over a quota system that reserves up to 30 per cent of government jobs for family members of veterans from Bangladesh’s 1971 war against Pakistan. The Supreme Court of Bangladesh reduced the reservations to 5%. After that, student leaders called for the release of all of their leaders, but the government disregarded them, so they decided to put a halt to the protests. This led to calls for 76-year-old’s resignation. With time, the protests expanded into a larger anti-government movement that drew participants from Bangladeshi society’s many classes as well as singers, musicians, and movie stars.
She wanted to address the country, but her security detail disapproved the idea because of the violence’s proximity, according to insiders. Her security detail requested her to depart, stating that “she did not find any time to prepare a speech”.
Sheikh Hasina was met by Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Sanjay Chopra at the air base. The Air Force and security services kept a close eye on Hasina’s movements from the moment it entered Indian airspace till it reached the Hindon air base.
Earlier, in a televised speech to the troubled nation, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman stated that the military will form a “interim government” and encouraged protesters to disperse.
India’s Border Security Force is on high alert across the country’s 4,096 km border with Bangladesh. BSF field commanders are to take “on ground” positions and the Railways has stopped all trains to Bangladesh.
Foreign Minister S Jaishankar met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh arrived in India following the Bangladesh crisis.
Air India has announced that it will no longer be operating flights to and from Dhaka due to the violent protests occurring there. “In view of the emerging situation in Bangladesh, we have cancelled the scheduled operation of our flights to and from Dhaka with immediate effect,” Air India stated in a post on X. The airline further said that they were continuously monitoring the situation and are extending support to passengers with confirmed bookings for travel to and from Dhaka with a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation charges.
“Safety of our guests and crew remains our foremost priority. For more information, please call our 24/7 Contact Centre at 011-69329333 / 011-69329999,” said Air India in a post on X.
