Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived at Hindon airbase near Delhi on Monday at 5:36 PM, shortly after resigning amid unprecedented and deadly anti-government protests in her country.
Her departure marks the end of her 15-year tenure, which has been marred by escalating unrest and violence, including protests that have claimed over 300 lives.
Upon her arrival, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met PM Hasina.
This visit is significant, given the tense backdrop of protests that have seen demonstrators storming the Bangladeshi Parliament in recent days, following Hasina's departure.
In a televised address, Bangladesh's army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, announced that an interim government would assume control.
"We will investigate all the killings and punish those responsible," he stated, emphasizing the need for calm among students and citizens. He assured the public that both the army and police had been instructed not to engage in firing during the unrest.
Top developments in the Bangladesh political crisis
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Complete internet shutdown: The Bangladesh government imposed a complete internet shutdown on Monday as protestors urged the public to join a "Long March to Dhaka," a day after violent clashes left nearly 100 people dead.
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Sheikh Hasina's resignation: The former Prime Minister's resignation comes amid a significant uprising, sparked initially by student protests against a controversial job quota system that has since escalated into broader anti-government sentiment.
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BSF Issues high alert: The Border Security Force (BSF) has declared a "high alert" across the entire 4,096-kilometre India-Bangladesh border in response to the unfolding crisis. This precautionary measure aims to safeguard national security and prevent any potential spillover from the violence in Bangladesh.
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Ajit Doval's meeting: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval's meeting with Hasina at the Hindon airbase reflects India's engagement with the developing situation.
- EAM briefs PM Modi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the ongoing crisis.
- Bangladesh Army's role: General Waker-Uz-Zaman's address signaled the army's involvement in maintaining order and overseeing the transition to an interim government, highlighting accountability for recent violence.
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Vandalism in Dhaka: A mob vandalised a statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the former President and Hasina's father, amid the ongoing protests. This incident highlights the intense anger and frustration among demonstrators.
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Indian cultural centre vandalised: The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre located in Dhaka's Dhanmondi area was vandalised by an unruly mob in Bangladesh's capital and four Hindu temples suffered "minor" damages across the country on Monday, eyewitnesses and a community leader said.
Unrest and escalation in Bangladesh
The protests in Bangladesh, initially sparked by student demands to abolish a controversial job quota system, have rapidly deteriorated into widespread anti-government agitation.
Clashes erupted on July 16 between protesters and security forces, resulting in authorities resorting to tear gas, rubber bullets, and curfews.
Reports indicate that nearly 300 individuals have died in the turmoil.
Despite a nationwide curfew, thousands of protesters defied restrictions, planning a "Long March to Dhaka."
In the capital, demonstrators confronted heavily armed security personnel and military vehicles, chanting slogans against the government.
In a particularly audacious act, protesters stormed Hasina's official residence, Ganabhaban, looting furniture and appliances from one of the country's most secure buildings.
The protests began peacefully in late June but intensified following violent confrontations at Dhaka University, where students clashed with pro-government activists and police.
The government's heavy-handed response, including a shoot-on-sight order, has only fueled further outrage among the populace.
Amid this chaos, internet and mobile services were suspended to stifle communication among protest groups.
India's stance
India has opted to facilitate Hasina's transit, providing safe passage through its airspace. This move reflects New Delhi's strategic interest in maintaining stability in Bangladesh, a key neighbor, especially given the potential for unrest to affect border security.
The BSF's heightened alert status along the border includes cancelling leave for personnel stationed there, a reflection of the seriousness with which India is treating the potential ramifications of Bangladesh's unrest.
Concerns have been raised about a possible rise in illegal crossings and cross-border crime as political instability unfolds in the neighboring nation.
Meanhile, former Indian Ambassador Harsh Vardhan Shringla noted that foreign powers could be involved in influencing the protests, adding a layer of complexity to the situation.
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