Amid the escalating turmoil in Bangladesh, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has sought refuge in India. On Monday, a Bangladesh Air Force C-130J transport aircraft, which initially brought Hasina to India, departed Hindon airbase at 9 am without her, carrying seven military personnel back to Bangladesh, according to ANI sources.
Sheikh Hasina’s next steps remain uncertain, with possibilities of her traveling to the UK, Belarus, or Moscow. However, heightened security at the Hindon airbase suggests she might stay in Delhi for a longer period.
The political situation in Bangladesh has become increasingly unstable following Hasina’s resignation, with protests that started over the quota system for government jobs expanding into broader anti-government demonstrations. These protests have led to over 300 fatalities.
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In response to the crisis, a students’ body has proposed forming an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus to address the nation’s challenges.
Sheikh Hasina, 76, arrived at the Hindon Indian Air Force base near New Delhi after India facilitated her safe passage amidst the growing protests. Upon her arrival, she was welcomed by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, with whom she discussed the situation in Bangladesh. Celebrations have erupted in Dhaka following her departure, but the streets remain volatile due to the presence of Islamists and Jamaat-e-Islami members.
The journey to India was closely monitored by Indian security forces, including fighter jets escorting her plane into Indian airspace. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Cabinet Committee on Security about the developments.
Jaishankar also convened an all-party meeting to update leaders on the Bangladesh crisis and discussed Hasina’s situation, indicating that India is providing her with time to decide her future course of action. India remains in contact with the Bangladeshi army regarding the ongoing situation.
