Tensions in Bangladesh had a significant impact on India on Monday, prompting the suspension of all train services after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country amidst intense protests.
The Maitri Express, which operates between Kolkata and Dhaka five days a week and had already been halted for the past 15 days, will remain canceled.
Similarly, the Bandhan Express, which runs between Kolkata and Khulna twice a week, will be suspended indefinitely.
What began as student-led protests against government hiring rules in July culminated on Monday with the prime minister fleeing and the military announcing the formation of an interim government. Over a month of deadly protests resulted in at least 300 fatalities, ending the 76-year-old Hasina’s autocratic rule.
Celebratory crowds waved flags and danced on top of a tank on Monday morning before hundreds breached the gates of Hasina’s official residence.
Channel 24 in Bangladesh broadcasted footage of people entering the compound, waving to the camera, looting furniture and books, and even relaxing on beds. Others were seen destroying a statue of Hasina’s father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the nation’s independence hero.
Throughout the unrest, security forces had supported Hasina’s government. The protests, which began last month over civil service job quotas, escalated into broader demands for her resignation. On Sunday alone, at least 94 people, including 14 police officers, were killed, marking the deadliest day of the unrest.
On Monday, Bangladesh’s army chief, Waker-Uz-Zaman, announced that he would “form an interim government” following Hasina’s resignation and departure from the capital due to the overwhelming protests.
Dressed in military fatigues and cap, Waker stated in a broadcast on state television that he was taking full responsibility, though it was unclear if he would lead the caretaker government. “We will form an interim government,” he reiterated, confirming Hasina’s resignation.
