Sheikh Hasina Arrives in India for Talks After Resigning as Bangladesh PM

Sheikh Hasina, the embattled leader of Bangladesh, arrived at Hindon airbase near Delhi on Monday. This came after she resigned as prime minister following weeks of violent protests that resulted in nearly 300 deaths. Diplomatic sources indicated that Hasina's visit to India was part of her plan to travel to London.

However, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated in London that the people of Bangladesh deserve a full and independent UN-led investigation into recent events. This statement cast doubt on Hasina's travel plans. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, along with senior officials, met Hasina at the airbase and conveyed India's stance on the situation in Bangladesh.

India's Response to the Situation

Following the meeting, it is believed that Hasina was moved to a secure location and is unlikely to leave India on Monday night. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to discuss the unfolding situation in Bangladesh.

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar also briefed Modi about the developments in Bangladesh and informed Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi about the situation. India has not yet commented publicly on these developments but is expected to make a statement in Parliament on Tuesday.

Protests and Resignation

Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh for 15 years, resigned following massive protests that began over a job quota scheme but evolved into a movement demanding her removal from power. The controversial quota system reserved 30% of civil service jobs for families of veterans from the 1971 liberation war. Despite retaining power in January's parliamentary election, which was boycotted by opposition parties, Hasina faced increasing unrest.

On Monday, Hasina left her official residence Ganabhavan with her sister Sheikh Rehana in a military helicopter to an airbase before flying to Hindon in a C-130 military transport aircraft of the Bangladesh Air Force. India provided safe passage through its airspace following a request from Dhaka.

International Reactions

British Foreign Secretary Lammy highlighted the unprecedented levels of violence and tragic loss of life in Bangladesh over the past two weeks. He called for all sides to work together to end violence, restore calm, and prevent further loss of life. Lammy emphasised that an independent UN-led investigation is necessary.

In Dhaka, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman announced Hasina's resignation and the formation of an interim government. "I'm taking all responsibility for the country. Please cooperate," he said in a televised address. He mentioned meeting political leaders and informing them that the Army would take over law and order responsibilities.

Ongoing Violence

The protests against the 30% job reservations for veterans' families led to clashes across Bangladesh as Hasina's government attempted to suppress them. Although the Supreme Court scaled back the quota system, fresh violence erupted over the weekend, resulting in more than 100 deaths in just two days.

The Indian government is closely monitoring these rapid developments in Dhaka. The situation remains tense as efforts continue to deescalate violence and restore order in Bangladesh.

The unfolding events have significant implications for regional stability and international relations. The coming days will be crucial in determining how these issues are resolved and what impact they will have on Bangladesh's future governance.