Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Resigns, Seeks Refuge with NSA Ajit Doval at Hindon Air Base
The urgency was palpable as Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina landed at Hindon Air Base near Delhi on Monday after resigning amidst violent protests in Dhaka. Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman announced the formation of an interim government and urged an end to the unrest.
Escape to Safety
A personal aide to Hasina told Al Jazeera that the Prime Minister fled in an army helicopter. A senior advisor, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Hasina and her sister left the official residence, Ganabhaban, for a safer location. The advisor also mentioned that Hasina’s resignation was a “possibility” given the current situation.
High Alert and Border Tensions
In response to the turmoil, a high alert was implemented at the Bangladesh International Petrapol border in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal. At least 56 people were killed during the violent protests on Monday. Defense expert Col. DS Cheema (retired) highlighted the problem for the Indian government, considering existing tensions with Pakistan, China, and Myanmar.
Impact on Flights and Trade
The protests caused significant disruption as IndiGo canceled all flights scheduled for the next day, expressing regret for the inconvenience. The Indian Air Force put its personnel on alert in every eastern sector. Meghalaya imposed a night curfew along its border with Bangladesh. Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport was closed six hours from 5:30 pm, halting all flights.
Security Measures and International Relations
NSA Ajit Doval and senior military officials met with Hasina at Hindon Air Base, where the Indian Air Force (IAF) and other security agencies provided security before moving her to a safe location. The international impact of the political turmoil was evident as trade between India and Bangladesh was halted, and protesters damaged key locations in Dhaka, including the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre and Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.
Border Security
The Border Security Force (BSF) constantly communicates with the Border Guard Bangladesh to monitor the situation. The Indian Air Force (IAF) played a crucial role in ensuring the security of Indian airspace, with fighter jets airborne to monitor the Bangladeshi C-130 aircraft as it entered Indian airspace, prepared for any contingency.
Air Travel Disruptions
Air India also canceled all flights to and from Dhaka, offering support and waiving rescheduling and cancellation charges for affected passengers. The safety of guests and crew was emphasized as the top priority.
Hasina’s Arrival in India
Sheikh Hasina arrived at Hindon Air Base in a Bangladeshi C-130 transport aircraft, which the Indian Air Force (IAF) and other security agencies closely monitored from its entry into Indian airspace until landing. The plane was parked near the IAF’s C-17 and C-130J Super Hercules aircraft hangars, demonstrating the strong international relations between India and Bangladesh and ensuring Hasina’s safe arrival in India.