Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Resigns; Comes to India
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigns and flees to India amid violent protests, with the army stepping in to form an interim government.
Bangladesh is in turmoil after nearly 300 people were killed and hundreds more injured in widespread protests. The government cut off mobile internet service and banned social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, WhatsApp, and Instagram to control the situation.
Protestors have destroyed public property, creating absolute chaos across the country. In a shocking turn of events, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, aged 76, has resigned. She escaped from Bangladesh in a military helicopter and landed at the Hindon airbase near Ghaziabad, India, on 5th August 2024. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval received her at the airbase.
Jubilant crowds took to the streets to celebrate the news of her resignation. Some people entered the Prime Minister's palace, carrying out furniture and even sleeping in her bed. Protestors also attempted to tear down a statue of Ms. Hasina's father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Despite the celebrations, there has been a sudden increase in attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. Many people feel that the Indian government fully supported Sheikh Hasina, leading to anger and violence against Hindu temples and people. Visuals have surfaced showing students safeguarding the Dhakeshwari Hindu Temple at 3 am. Muslim clerics and students are voluntarily guarding Hindu temples in Cumilla and other areas.
Shortly after Sheikh Hasina resigned, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the Chief of Army Staff, announced that he would form an interim government. He stood in front of a podium and stated, "I am taking full responsibility. The country has suffered a lot, the economy has been hit, many people have been killed - it is time to stop the violence. I hope after my speech, the situation will improve."
Student leaders have proposed that an interim government should be formed under the leadership of Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus. There has been no official reaction from India, a neighboring and regional power.
As for Sheikh Hasina, she has now applied to the UK government for asylum. She will stay in India until she gets asylum. During this period, India will offer all support to her as Bangladesh is our neighbor.
The protests in Bangladesh erupted due to long-standing grievances against the government, including issues of corruption, economic mismanagement, and lack of political freedoms. The situation remains tense, and the world is watching closely to see how the crisis will unfold.
