Violent protests in Bangladesh have led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The unrest, which has claimed at least 300 lives, forced Hasina to flee to India and reportedly seek asylum in the United Kingdom. In Dhaka, large-scale celebrations erupted as Hasina stepped down, and the country now braces for an interim government.
India has heightened security measures along its 4,096.7 km border with Bangladesh. Key developments include:
- The protests began over a controversial job quota system favoring children of war veterans. The Supreme Court of Bangladesh scaled back, but did not eliminate, the 30 percent reservation for descendants of freedom fighters, reducing it to 5 percent. This move failed to quell the unrest, leading to calls for Hasina’s resignation.
- Hasina’s resignation ended her 15-year tenure. She fled to India and is reported to be seeking asylum in the UK. The Bangladesh Army Chief confirmed the resignation and announced that the military would establish a caretaker government, guiding the country towards free and fair elections.
- Following the resignation, protesters stormed Hasina’s official residence, Ganabhaban, and parliament. They set fire to vehicles, looted property, and attacked buildings associated with her party and family.
- In response, India has ramped up border security. Meghalaya has imposed a night curfew along its border with Bangladesh, and Assam and West Bengal have issued high alerts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting to address the situation.
- Hasina landed in India on a military transport plane, and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met with her. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar briefed PM Modi and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi on the developments.
- Air India and IndiGo have canceled flights to and from Dhaka. India has provided safe passage for Hasina’s aircraft through its airspace following a request from Dhaka.
