DHAKA/NEW DELHI: Sheikh Hasina, who stepped down as Prime Minister on Monday following the intensification of the anti-government protest in Bangladesh, has reportedly fled the country and sought refuge in India. She is accompanied by her sister Sheikh Rehana. The Bangladesh army, which took control of the country, has begun a move under the leadership of Army Chief Waker-uz-Zaman to form an interim government. Meanwhile, the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the developments in Bangladesh. Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, S. Jaishankar, Nirmala Sitharaman and others participated in the meeting.
Sheikh Hasina resigned from the post of Prime Minister on Monday afternoon after the Bangladesh Army gave her a 45-minute ultimatum to step down. After stepping down as Prime Minister at around 2.30 pm, Sheikh Hasina travelled from her official residence Bangabhaban to the airport in a military chopper. She then flew to India on a C-130 aircraft of the Bangladesh Air Force. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval received her at the Hindon air base on the Delhi border at 5 pm. Soon after landing in Delhi, Sheikh Hasina moved to a secure facility. It is reported that Hasina may go to London from India. Hasina is a leader who has good relations with India. Hasina had attended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third swearing-in ceremony along with her daughter.
Soon after Hasina fled the country, the protesters in Dhaka stormed into the Prime Minister's official residence and looted everything valuable. They vandalised the statue of former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Hasina's father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Dhaka. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan's residence was set on fire. Following the protest, the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka was closed.
The protests began in Bangladesh in July over the government's decision to introduce reservations for the dependents of Bangladeshi freedom fighters. The other day, more than 100 people were killed in the clash between the ruling party Awami League workers and the protesters. Bangladeshi media reported that the curfew was relaxed after the army took control of the country. Schools may also open today. Reports are claiming that the disconnected internet connection has been restored.
Pakistan and China behind protest?
India believes that Pakistan and China are behind the anti-government agitation in Bangladesh, which is supported by the opposition Bangladesh National Party and Bangladesh Jamaat Party. India is closely monitoring the situation. The changing political situation in neighbouring Bangladesh is critical for India. India is involved in many basic development projects in Bangladesh. The increasing influence of China and Pakistan in Bangladesh will pose a threat to India.
Security beefed up
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