Turmoil in Bangladesh as Sheikh Hasina Resigns and Flees Country!

Turmoil in Bangladesh as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Resigns and Flees Country Amid Escalating Violence

MOHAN KHOUND

Bangladesh is engulfed in chaos as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and fled the country amid intensifying violent protests.

According to media sources, Hasina and her sister left the official residence, Ganabhaban, via an army helicopter, seeking safety as the political and security situation rapidly deteriorated.

A personal aide to the prime minister confirmed to news agency that Hasina’s resignation is under serious consideration. “The situation is such that this is a possibility, but I don’t know how it will happen,” the aide remarked, underscoring the crisis’s gravity.

Turmoil in Bangladesh as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Resigns and Flees Country Amid Escalating Violence

Escalating Violence and Security Measures

Tensions have surged following violent clashes between security forces and protesters, resulting in hundreds of casualties. In response, armed soldiers now patrol the deserted streets of Dhaka, enforcing a strict curfew to restore order. The international community is closely monitoring the situation as one of South Asia’s key political figures exits amid growing unrest.

yellow and green leafed trees under cloudy sky

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the crisis with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, while Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also communicated with Jaishankar regarding the turmoil. Despite these discussions, there is no confirmation of a meeting with Sheikh Hasina.

Sheikh Hasina’s Flight and International Response

Sheikh Hasina fled her Dhaka residence just before it was overtaken by protesters. She landed at Hindon Air Force base in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad, where she was received by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Reports suggest she may fly to London to seek political asylum, with her aircraft being refueled for the journey.

India’s Border Security Force is on high alert along the 4,096 km border shared with Bangladesh, halting cross-border travel. Indian Railways and Air India have canceled services to Bangladesh, including two daily flights from Delhi to Dhaka. Meghalaya has implemented a 12-hour night-time curfew near the border, while the Tipra Motha party in Tripura has been assured by Home Minister Amit Shah that no infiltration will be permitted.

Formation of an Interim Government

Following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced the formation of an interim government and called for an end to the violence, promising to safeguard citizens and address their demands. Earlier today, protesters breached Gonobhaban, Hasina’s official residence, but she had already fled with her sister, Sheikh Rehana, in a military helicopter. Additionally, the home of ex-Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan was set ablaze by demonstrators.

The protests initially erupted over a controversial quota system allocating 30% of government jobs to veterans’ families from Bangladesh’s 1971 war with Pakistan. Although the Supreme Court reduced the quota to 5%, student leaders reignited their protests, demanding the release of detained leaders and eventually calling for Hasina’s resignation.

Historical Context and Political Implications

As Sheikh Hasina’s prime ministership came to an abrupt end on August 5, signs of systemic weakening within the Awami League had become evident. Hasina’s return from a truncated visit to China on July 10 marked the mobilization of forces that would ultimately lead to her overthrow. The initial speculation over her abrupt return, caused by China’s refusal to provide a financial package to Bangladesh, was soon overshadowed by the anti-quota movement led by students.

Hasina’s blunt remarks, labeling the protesting students as ‘razakars’ – a term reserved for those who opposed Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 – sparked widespread criticism on social media. The term’s use indicated a disconnect between Hasina and her advisors, who had previously guided her political journey.

In the past, Hasina’s strategic advisors, like Mashiur Rahman and Dr. Gauhar Rizvi, had played crucial roles in navigating diplomatic challenges. However, their diminishing presence in recent years suggested a shift towards a younger collective of advisors, whose aggressive rhetoric further alienated the government from the public.

International Concerns and Human Rights Issues

Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, urged the Bangladeshi government to cease targeting peaceful protesters. “The shocking violence in Bangladesh must stop,” he stated, highlighting the international concern over the ongoing unrest.

The protests, which have involved over 400,000 people, show no signs of abating. Leaders continue to call for civil disobedience until their demands are met. The University Teachers’ Network has proposed forming an interim government comprising representatives from various sectors, a path the Bangladeshi military has indicated it will follow.

The resignation and flight of Sheikh Hasina mark a critical juncture in Bangladesh’s political landscape. The volatile situation underscores the deep-seated grievances within the nation, particularly among the youth. The international community remains vigilant, anticipating significant political shifts and hoping for a resolution that addresses the protesters’ demands and restores stability to the nation. As Bangladesh navigates this tumultuous period, the future remains uncertain, with the potential for lasting regional implications.

05-08-2024

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