AJAX1431: What will be the path of Bangladesh Air Force’s most tracked flight carrying Sheikh Hasina?
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/6th August 2024
In a surprising turn of events, a Bangladesh Air Force C-130J transport aircraft departed from Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad, India, without former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The plane, which had previously ferried Hasina to India following her resignation, left for a Bangladeshi air base early this morning, carrying seven military personnel. Indian security agencies closely monitored the aircraft throughout its journey.
Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India after weeks of escalating protests against a quota system for government jobs. These protests, which turned violent, eventually morphed into a broader challenge to her 15-year rule. Thousands of demonstrators stormed her official residence and other buildings associated with her party and family. Hasina arrived in India on Monday evening, landing at Hindon Air Base at 5:30 PM. She was then taken to a secure location, where she is currently staying.
Reports suggest that Hasina is planning to fly to London to seek political asylum and has been in contact with UK authorities regarding this matter. Her presence in India has heightened activity within the Indian security apparatus. On Monday night, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to discuss the situation.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar briefed an all-party meeting in Parliament, assuring leaders that India would assist Sheikh Hasina and give her time to decide her future course of action. Jaishankar also mentioned that India is in touch with the Bangladesh Army to ensure the safety of over 10,000 Indian students in Bangladesh. He posted on social media, expressing appreciation for the unanimous support and understanding from political party leaders regarding the ongoing developments in Bangladesh.
The political landscape in Bangladesh has been plunged into uncertainty following the extraordinary street protests that forced Prime Minister Hasina to resign and flee. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus has been called upon to lead a new interim government. Nahid Islam, a key organizer of the student protests, announced in a social media video that the protest leaders had spoken with Yunus, who agreed to take over given the current situation. Bangladesh’s figurehead president and top military commander have indicated that an interim government will be formed soon.
Yunus, who referred to Hasina’s resignation as the country’s “second liberation day,” has faced numerous corruption accusations and was put on trial during Hasina’s rule. Yunus, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for pioneering microlending, has claimed that the corruption charges against him were motivated by vengeance.
The political future of Bangladesh remains uncertain as the nation navigates through this tumultuous period. The departure of Sheikh Hasina, a dominant figure in Bangladeshi politics for over a decade, leaves a significant power vacuum. The call for Yunus to lead an interim government marks a potential shift in the country’s governance. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges as Bangladesh grapples with the aftermath of these dramatic developments. The international community, especially neighboring India, remains vigilant, closely watching the unfolding events and preparing to offer support where needed.
