Sheikh Hasina Resigns, Military Takeover in Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, announced that the military would form an interim government. Over the past month, more than 300 people have been killed in the escalating protests, despite efforts to scale back the scheme by Bangladesh’s top court.

According to the Sources – India assured her of assistance but could not offer asylum. It is believed she is now headed to either Finland or Switzerland.

Meanwhile, ANI, quoting sources, reported that Indian security agencies are monitoring a C-130 aircraft with the call sign AJAX1431, which is approaching Delhi from 10 kilometers beyond the Indian border with Bangladesh. It is believed that Sheikh Hasina and some members of her entourage are on this plane.

Hasina, the 76-year-old daughter of Bangladesh’s founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, had been ruling the nation since 2009. She was elected for a record fourth consecutive term and fifth overall in the 12th general election held in January, amid a boycott by the main opposition party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former premier Khaleda Zia and its allies.

Security has been tightened at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, with additional barricades and increased police personnel. The Delhi Police have also increased security outside the Indira Gandhi International Airport in case Hasina lands in the national capital, an officer said.

About Sheikh Hasina

Sheikh Hasina, born on September 28, 1947, in Tungipara, Gopalganj, is a prominent political figure in Bangladesh and the longest-serving Prime Minister in the country’s history. She is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding leader and first President of Bangladesh, who is often referred to as the “Father of the Nation.”

Early Life and Family

Father: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a pivotal figure in the Bangladesh Liberation War.
Mother: Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib.
Siblings: She had four siblings, but tragically, her family was assassinated on August 15, 1975, during a military coup. Hasina and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, survived as they were in West Germany at the time.

Political Career

Early Involvement: Sheikh Hasina became politically active while still a student and was involved in the Bangladesh Chhatra League.
Leadership of Awami League: She was elected President of the Awami League in 1981 while in exile in India.

Prime Ministerial Tenure

First Term (1996-2001): Hasina’s government focused on economic reforms, social development, and resolving long-standing issues like the Chittagong Hill Tracts conflict.
Second Term (2009-2014): Her tenure saw significant economic growth, improvements in infrastructure, and social programs aimed at poverty reduction.
Third Term (2014-2018): Continued economic development, digitalization initiatives, and a focus on combating terrorism.
Fourth Term (2018-present): Her government has been marked by efforts in further economic development, infrastructure projects, and addressing the Rohingya refugee crisis.