Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, met with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Monday evening after arriving at the Hindon Air Force base in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad, approximately 30 km from Delhi. Earlier that day, the 76-year-old leader, who has served as Prime Minister five times, was compelled to resign following violent protests over a government job quota that resulted in over 300 deaths.
Sheikh Hasina is reportedly planning to travel to London later, where she may seek political asylum. Sources informed news agency ANI that her aircraft, a Bangladesh Air Force C-130 military transport, will be stationed near the Indian Air Force’s C-17 and C-130J Super Hercules aircraft hangars.
General Waker-Uz-Zaman on the situation in Bangladesh
“There is a crisis. I have met with Opposition leaders, and we have agreed to establish an interim government to manage the country. I take full responsibility and promise to safeguard your lives and property. Your demands will be met. Please end the violence,” General Waker-Uz-Zaman stated.
Earlier on Monday, protesters stormed Gonobhaban, the official residence of the Prime Minister in Dhaka. Estimates suggest that up to 400,000 protesters were on the streets, though this figure remains unverified. Despite barricades and armed forces deployed to protect the Prime Minister’s office, the crowds managed to overwhelm security.
The unrest began late last month in response to a quota system that reserved up to 30 percent of government jobs for the relatives of veterans from Bangladesh’s 1971 war against Pakistan. The protests, initially triggered by this quota system, intensified over the past few days, leading to violent clashes between students, police, and counter-protesters. Scenes of fires and mobs wreaking havoc have been widely reported.
Also read: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Resigns Amid Protests: Key Points On The Crisis
Although the Bangladesh Supreme Court reduced the quota to 5 percent, the protests resumed after student leaders accused the government of disregarding other demands. This led to heightened calls for Sheikh Hasina’s resignation.
In response to the situation, India’s Border Security Force (BSF) is on high alert along the 4,096 km border with Bangladesh. Field commanders have been instructed to be prepared for any developments. Additionally, Indian Railways has suspended all train services to Bangladesh.
