The former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, is still negotiating for full asylum and adequate security measures. Despite discussions aimed at securing her relocation, her key demands remain unaddressed, leaving her status unresolved. On Monday, Hasina departed Bangladesh for India, seeking safe passage after months of intense political unrest that has claimed over 100 lives. Given a 45-minute ultimatum to step down as Prime Minister, Hasina left for India, landing at the Hindan Airbase. She spent the night there, awaiting the completion of the UK asylum procedure. Upon arrival at Hindan Air Force Base in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad, approximately 30 km from Delhi, Hasina met with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
Backdrop of Unrest and Hasina’s Resignation
For those unfamiliar with the situation, Sheikh Hasina attempted to suppress nationwide protests against her government, which had been escalating since early July. However, following brutal unrest on Sunday that resulted in nearly 100 deaths, Hasina fled the country. The total death toll from the anti-government demonstrations has now surpassed 300. The protests began in June, sparked by student groups demanding the abolition of a controversial quota system in government jobs, and soon grew into a larger movement calling for the end of Hasina’s rule.
Army Takes Control
Late last evening, Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin chaired a critical meeting to discuss establishing a military-backed caretaker government. The meeting included Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, heads of the navy and air force, and top opposition leaders, including representatives from the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami parties.
General Waker-Uz-Zaman is set to meet with student protest leaders as the country awaits the formation of a new government. The student leaders, who initially protested against job quotas and later called for Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, have expressed a desire for a new interim government with Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus as its chief advisor.
National Address and Interim Government Formation
In a national address, General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced that Sheikh Hasina had resigned and that the Army would oversee the formation of an interim government. “The country has endured significant suffering, the economy has been impacted, and many lives have been lost. It is time to end the violence,” General Waker stated.
The situation in Bangladesh remains fluid as the nation navigates this significant political transition.