Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived near Delhi at 5:36 pm on 5th August, shortly after resigning and leaving the country with her sister. Her exit concludes her 15-year tenure and follows recent student protests that resulted in over 300 deaths. The situation in Bangladesh remains tense, with protesters attacking the Parliament in response to Hasina’s departure. 

In a televised address, Bangladesh’s army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, announced that an interim government would assume control of the country. He stated that an investigation would be conducted into all the killings, with those responsible being held accountable. He also emphasised that both the Army and police have been instructed to avoid using force. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been updated on the situation in Bangladesh by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. It is currently unclear whether Modi will hold a meeting with Sheikh Hasina. Sheikh Hasina, who left her Dhaka residence just before it was overtaken, has arrived at the Hindon Air Force Base in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, located 30 kilometres from Delhi. 

Sheikh Hasina arrived on a Bangladesh Air Force C-130 military transport, which is currently parked alongside Indian Air Force C-17 and C-130J aircraft. She is expected to continue her journey to London. 

In India, the Border Security Force is on high alert due to the situation in Bangladesh. The 4,096 km border between the two countries has seen travel restrictions imposed. Both the Railways and Air India have cancelled trains and flights, including the airline's two daily flights from Delhi to Dhaka. 

Earlier in the day, following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced that the military would establish an "interim government" and called on protesters to cease their demonstrations. 

He stated, "We are facing a crisis. I have met with opposition leaders, and we have agreed to form an interim government to manage the country. I take full responsibility and assure you that we will safeguard your lives and property. Your demands will be addressed. Please cease the violence." 

Chaos ensued this morning when protesters stormed Gonobhaban, the Prime Minister's residence in Dhaka. By that time, however, Sheikh Hasina, who began her fifth term as Prime Minister this year, had already fled. Sources indicated that she and her younger sister, Sheikh Rehana, departed in a military helicopter. 

On 4th August, clashes between police and protesters resulted in 100 deaths and over 1,000 injuries. The protests, which started late last month, have intensified significantly in recent days following a fierce confrontation between students and law enforcement. 

The protests initially erupted over a quota system that allocates up to 30 percent of government jobs to family members of veterans from Bangladesh's 1971 war against Pakistan. What began as a dispute over this policy quickly evolved into a broader anti-government movement, drawing participants from all walks of Bangladeshi society, including film stars, musicians, and singers. 

The Bangladesh Supreme Court reduced the reservations to 5 percent, leading student leaders to pause their protests. However, the demonstrations reignited when the government allegedly ignored demands to release all detained student leaders, which escalated into calls for Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. 

Image source:  The Economic Times