Sheikh Hasina has officially resigned as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and arrived in India on Monday evening. Her departure follows weeks of massive and deadly protests against her government. Hasina, who led Bangladesh for 15 years, landed at the Hindon airbase near Delhi at 5:36 pm, where she was met by National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Sanjay Chopra.
Hasina’s resignation marks a significant turning point in Bangladesh’s political landscape. Her exit comes amid severe unrest that has left over 300 people dead, with protesters clashing violently with police and pro-government activists. Following her departure, the situation in Bangladesh remains volatile, with continued demonstrations and even protests targeting the Parliament.
In response to the escalating crisis, Bangladesh's Army Chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, announced that an interim government would soon be established. He assured the public that the army and police would not engage in further violence and vowed to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for the killings. General Waker-Uz-Zaman's statements indicate a shift towards restoring order and addressing the crisis through a temporary administration.
In light of the ongoing unrest, the Border Security Force (BSF) has issued a high alert along the India-Bangladesh border, and train services to border areas have been suspended. This precautionary measure aims to prevent any potential spillover of violence into India.
The protests in Bangladesh began in late June with demands to end a quota system for government jobs. What started as a peaceful student movement quickly escalated into widespread violence, with clashes intensifying on July 16. The government’s response, including the use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and internet blackouts, further fueled the public’s anger, leading to the storming of Hasina’s official residence, Ganabhaban. Protesters seized furniture and other items from the residence, underscoring the intensity of the public's frustration.
Former Indian Ambassador Harsh Vardhan Shringla has suggested that the involvement of foreign powers in the unrest cannot be ruled out, adding another layer of complexity to the situation in Bangladesh. The country is now under a curfew with a shoot-on-sight order, and authorities are grappling with maintaining control amid the widespread civil unrest.
As the interim government prepares to take charge, the international community, including India, will be closely watching the developments in Bangladesh. The future stability of the country will likely depend on the effectiveness of the interim administration in addressing both the immediate concerns of the population and the underlying issues that led to the protests.
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