On Monday, violent protests in Bangladesh led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The capital city, Dhaka, erupted in celebrations as Hasina stepped down and fled to India, reportedly seeking asylum in the United Kingdom. With the prime minister's ouster, Bangladesh is now preparing for the installation of an interim government.
Hasina's son and advisor, Sajeeb Wazed Joy said that she had fled the country after her family's insistence to ensure her own safety. He further said that Hasina will not be able to make a political comeback after this incident.
In a video statement on X, Sajeeb Wazed condemned the protests and said that an interim and unelected government would destroy Bangladesh's progress so far and make the country like Pakistan. He further said that the protests have now become terrorism.
India's Response to the Crisis
In response to the developments in Bangladesh, India has significantly increased its border security. The two nations share a 4,096.7 km-long border, the longest India shares with any neighboring country. Air India and IndiGo immediately canceled scheduled flights to and from Dhaka on Monday.
Hasina moved to a secure location
Hasina arrived in India on Monday and is expected to remain there until she secures political asylum in a third country, likely the UK. She has been moved to a secure location within India and is not expected to leave on Monday night.
Security beefed up
Upon Hasina's arrival at Hindon airport in Ghaziabad, India ramped up security measures. The state of Meghalaya imposed a night curfew along its international border with Bangladesh, while Assam issued a "high alert" to all districts sharing a border with Bangladesh. West Bengal also heightened its border security and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged the public to maintain peace and avoid provocation.
PM Modi chairs high-level meeting
In light of the crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security. The meeting included key members such as Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Shortly after Hasina landed near Delhi in a C-130J military transport aircraft of the Bangladesh Air Force, she met with India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. The specifics of their discussion have not been disclosed.
Diplomatic Discussions
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar briefed Prime Minister Modi on the rapidly evolving situation in Bangladesh. Jaishankar also informed Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, about the developments. Gandhi and Jaishankar discussed the issue on the sidelines of the Parliament House complex.
Hasina is likely to meet her daughter
Hasina is likely to meet her daughter, Saima Wazed, who resides in Delhi and works as the World Health Organization's regional director for South-East Asia. There has been no official confirmation regarding Hasina's arrival in Delhi.
India facilitated Hasina's safe passage through Indian airspace following a request from Dhaka, ensuring her secure entry into the country.
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