Bangladesh Crisis Highlights: Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus Appointed As Head Of Interim Govt
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: Please follow the space and keep refreshing the page for all the latest updates pertaining to the crisis in Bangladesh.
Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been appointed as head of Bangladesh's interim government, says President's Press Secretary, news agency PTI reported.
The security outside the Deputy High Commission in Kolkata has been enhanced amid the ongoing unrest in the neighbouring country, Bangladesh.
"A total of 20 additional police personnel including those in the rank of Assistant Commissioners have been deployed outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission office. Officers in plain clothes have also been assigned there," an official told news agency PTI.
A former High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh said that the Centre is likely to consider it "very favourably" if former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expresses her wish to stay on. He also said that she has been "a good friend of India," news agency PTI reported.
Amid the rise in attacks against minorities in Bangladesh, the former foreign secretary of India Kanwal Sibal said that India can't do much other than put diplomatic pressure and give advise.
"It’s up to the responsible government of Bangladesh to assume its responsibilities and ensure its minorities are safe. They are their own people. We can only advise and put diplomatic pressure but beyond that, we cannot do much," he said.
Lt Gen Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon (Retd) said that the current situation in Bangladesh is not a good sign for other democracies across the world.
"The situation in Bangladesh... what happened on August 5 when an elected PM had to flee her country; technically she resigned and came to India in a military helicopter. This is not a god sign for democracies across the world. Mobocracy against an elected representative... India itself is a very big democracy... maybe we have to learn something from this," he said.
Nobel winner Muhammad Yunus told the news agency AFP that he is ready to head the 'interim government' in Bangladesh
The Secretary General of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation Indra Mani Pandey said that the organisation was unaffected by any political development in any of its member countries. He said that the organisation stayed away from the political crisis and internal development of the countries.
"As far as activities under the BIMSTEC framework are concerned these developments have so far no impact," he added, as reported by news agency ANI.
Major reshuffle likely in the top positions of the Bangladesh Army. The top positions in the Bangladesh Army will be reorganised. Major General Ziaul Ahsan has been relieved from service. Lieutenant General Mohammad Saiful Alam's position has been handed over to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (Manogya Loiwal)
Bangladesh's former foreign minister Mohammed Hasan Mahmud arrested
A violent unrest broke out in Bangladesh on Monday, following which protestors vandalised public property in the national capital. Here are the visuals after looting and arson at the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Dhaka.
Air India on Tuesday announced a one-time waiver for ticket holders for flights to and from Dhaka between August 4 and 7.
"Air India will operate its evening flights AI237/238 on the Delhi-Dhaka-Delhi sector on 6 August 2024. In addition, due to the prevailing situation in Dhaka, Air India is offering a one-time waiver on rescheduling to customers, with confirmed bookings on any Air India flight to and from Dhaka between 4th and 7th August 2024, if they desire to do so. The tickets would have to be booked on or prior to 5th August. We would like to reiterate that at Air India, the safety of our customers and crew remains the top priority," the statement read.
Air India announced that it will be operating its evening flights AI237/238 on the Delhi-Dhaka-Delhi sector on 6 August 2024.
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said: "This is a time for national healing, including through an immediate end to violence, as well as accountability that ensures the rights of victims to truth & reparations, & a truly inclusive process that brings the country together on the way forward."
UN secretary general Antonio Guterres called for "calm and restraint" by all sides and emphasised the importance of a "peaceful, orderly, and democratic" transition. He also deplored the further loss of life during protests in Bangladesh over the weekend.
Bangladesh's key police association declared a strike, saying: "Until the security of every member of the police is secured, we are declaring a strike." This comes after the students' protest that the police association sought to control with force, ultimately led to the resignation of the now-former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Barron's reported.
EAM Jaishankar told the Rajya Sabha that the government was in close and continuous touch with the Indian community in Bangladesh. He also said there are 19,000 Indians in Bangladesh, of which 9,000 are students. "Bulk of the students returned to India in the month of July," he added.
EAM Jaishankar stated during his Rajya Sabha address today that "the situation in Bangladesh is still evolving," adding that India is in "close and continuous touch with the Indian community in Bangladesh through our diplomatic missions."
Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has dissolved the Parliament, a statement said, as reported by news agency AFP. This was one of the key demands of the student protestors.
Protesters set fire to six police stations in Chittagong. They vandalised and set fire to six police stations in Chittagong, Bangladesh. The situation is out of control.
Amid the intensifying violence in Bangladesh, the prime minister's office has been ransacked. Reportedly, all the files have been stolen. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and fled the country.
(Input By Manogya Loiwal)
On the current situation in Bangladesh, Iran’s Ambassador to India, Dr. Iraj Elahi says, "Bangladesh is an important country in the region. It is a big Muslim country. Iran has traditional relations with Bangladesh. What happened in Bangladesh has raised our concerns about the lives of people, this country's stability and the region's stability. If there is no peace or stability in Bangladesh, then it will affect all regions. We hope that very soon we will witness stability and the rule of law in Bangladesh."
To decide on the future course of action following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation amid the ongoing violence, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has called a meeting at 5 PM.
Amidst the raging violence in Bangladesh, an Indonesian national was killed.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar is to make a suo motu statement in Lok Sabha at 3.30 pm on the situation in Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh aircraft that brought former PM Sheikh Hasina to India has returned to Dhaka. She is still believed to be in India.
Bangladesh Crisis: A few people from Bangladesh have come to India for their personal work crossing the Petrapole-Benapole border in North 24 Parganas district of #WestBengal. Vigilance along the Bangladesh border has been heightened in the wake of violence in Bangladesh.
Muhammad Yunus has agreed to take the role of chief advisor of the interim government, as reported by Bangladesh daily Daily Star.
Indo-Bangladesh trade starts at the Changradandha border (Coochbehar), trucks from Bangladesh are entering India, whereas many Indian trucks are still waiting there to return.
(ABP Ananda)
Ghaziabad, UP: Security heightened at the Hindon Air Base. Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina is not on board the C-130J transport aircraft that took off today from the air base, ANI reported, citing sources.
As the Bangladesh aircraft took off from the Hindon Air Base in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad, the movement of VVIP cars was seen in the area.
Protesters storm the Parliament Building in Bangladesh as violence triggered by anti-quota protests intensifies in the country.
On the current situation in Bangladesh, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says "As far as India is concerned, the first and most important signal we need to send to the people of Bangladesh is that we stand with them, there are no other vested interests that India has...There are some disturbing reports coming, of attacks on Hindu homes, temples and individuals. We all saw the pictures of looting yesterday. It may calm down and stabilize in a couple of days, if it doesn't, then there is a risk even of refugees fleeing to our country and that would be a matter of grave concern. I hope that our High Commissioner and our staff there are safe and monitoring the situation closely. We still don't know who is going to be in the interim government. There are some understandable concerns in India about the increasing influence of the Jamaat-e-Islami, which has taken a very hostile attitude to India in the past, and possible meddling by China and Pakistan...We don't want an unstable or an unfriendly neighbour..."
Protesters in Bangladesh on Monday set former Bangladesh cricket captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza's house on fire.
Congress MP Manish Tewari moves adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha, to have a discussion on the political situation in Bangladesh and its implications for India.
The C-130J transport of the Bangladesh Air Force, with call sign call sign AJAX1431, took off from the Hindon air base, in UP, in the morning today around 9 AM and is moving towards its next destination. The aircraft carried Sheikh Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana Siddiq to India after her resignation. India is closely monitoring the flight, ANI sources said.
The Centre has convened an all-party meeting at 10 AM today on the Bangladesh crisis. EAM S Jaishankar will brief the attendees.
At least 135 people were killed in Police firings, mob beatings, and arson across the country on Monday.
ABP LIVE Exclusive: In an interview to ABP LIVE, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus says New Delhi and Dhaka can be best of friends if India supports the people of Bangladesh and not its PM.
BSF is on high alert on the India-Bangladesh border. DG BSF Daljit Chaudhary is carrying out regular visits and monitoring patrols. He is on a visit to the India-Bangladesh border from Monday.
DG BSF will visit Petrapole today at 11 AM. Petrapol is present in 24 Parganas. It has been asked to be more alert during the rainy season. DG BSF has already visited the Sundarban area by visiting the floating BOP (border outpost). Apart from Bengal, India, and Bangladesh share borders with many states like Tripura, Meghalaya, etc.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met today at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. In the meeting, PM Modi was briefed about the situation in Bangladesh.
The coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement have announced an outline for an interim government headed by Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus, as reported by Dhaka Tribune.
This information was conveyed in a video message by key coordinators of the student movement, Nahid Islam, Asif Mahmud, and Abu Bakar Mazumdar, at 4:15am on Tuesday.
Earlier on Monday night, Nahid had announced that an outline for an interim government would be formulated within the next 24 hours.
On the current situation in Bangladesh, US State Department Spokesperson, Matthew Miller says, "Our condolences of course go out to those who have been hurt in the violence over the past few weeks. We are focused now on supporting an end to the violence and for accountability. All decisions regarding the interim government should be made with respect to democratic principles, the rule of law and the will of the Bangladeshi people..."
The United Nations is following the situation in Bangladesh "very closely" and calls for calm and restraint in the wake of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and escape from the country, a spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday.
"The Secretary-General deplores the further loss of life during protests in Bangladesh over the weekend. He continues to closely follow developments in the country, including the Chief of Army Staff’s announcement regarding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and plans for the formation of an interim government," Farhan Haq, the UN Deputy Spokesperson, told the daily briefing.
"We continue to call for calm and restraint and to urge all parties to respect the right to peaceful assembly and expression," Haq said, adding that the UN urges security forces to protect those out on the streets of Dhaka and other cities of Bangladesh.
In response to a question from the Press Trust of India on the situation, Haq said: "For us, the important things are for the parties to remain calm, and we want to emphasise the importance of a peaceful, orderly and democratic transition.
"We stand in full solidarity with the people of Bangladesh at this time and we call for full respect for their democratic and human rights. And ultimately, regarding what's happened so far, there's a need for a full, independent and impartial investigation into all acts of violence." He added that the UN is in touch with authorities in the region, "and our country team is in touch with authorities in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh President Md. Shahabuddin announced Monday that the country's Parliament will be dissolved as per rules laid down in the Constitution, and an interim government will be formed at the earliest. Arrangements for an immediate election will be made under this government, he said in his address to the nation late Monday.
During this time, the President said, all political prisoners, including BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, would be released. He called on everyone, irrespective of party affiliations, to unite and move the country forward, forgetting past grievances.
He said also that compensation would be provided to the families of those killed in the student protests, and proper medical treatment would be arranged for the injured. He directed law enforcement agencies to be strict in protecting public life and state property.
Shahabuddin also called on everyone to ensure communal harmony and the safety of minorities and to protect government property. He urged everyone to work towards keeping the country's economy, administration, and industries running smoothly.
The Bangladesh Army has provided a list of numbers for Hindu minority families or temples to call. This also applies to other minorities if they are under violent attack or any kind of threat across Bangladesh
Dinajpur: Lt Col Raushanul Islam - 01769682454
Mymensingh: Capt Faisal - 01769208174
Sirajganj: Capt Shudipto - 01769510524
Rampura: CO- Lt Col Rehgir Al Shahid - 01769053150
Rangpur: Capt Ashraf - 01615332446
Rangpur: Capt Maariz - 01745207469
Kishoreganj (Bhairab): 01769202354 Capt Raihan Adjt: 01769202366
Jessore: Capt Sabbir - 01886-910514
Rajbari: Capt Enam - 01795-615950
Dhaka (Jatrabari): Capt Hemel, 01766162077
Uttara, Airport, Diabari: CO: 01769024280, Adjt: 01769024284, Capt Sazzad (Parvez):01769510457
Cox’s Bazar: Capt Muztahid: 01769119988
Thakurgaon: Lt Faiz -01769510866, Capt Mohtashim -01769009855
Mirpur Area Capt Mahomud : 01833585736, 01769024256, Adjt: 01769024254
For Dhaka:
1. Capt Saikat: 017 6951 0515 (Mohammadpur)
2. Capt Ridnan Saleh: +880 16 4196 8237 (Mohammadpur)
3. Capt Ashik: +880 17 3899 8458 (Segunbagicha)
4. Capt Abrar: +880 17 4156 9832 (Uttara)
5. Capt Atahar Ishtiaq: +880 17 6951 1144 (Mirpur)
6. Capt Zarraf: 01708375371 (Stadium, Polton)
7. Capt Nasif: +880 17 6951 0803 (Baridhara)
8. Lt Imrul 81: +880 17 0526 0019 (Agargaon)
9. Adjt 21 Engrs Bn: 01769013094 (Gulshan/Banani)
10. Capt Shihab: 017 6604 7323 (Motijheel, Bangladesh Bank KPI)
(Input: Manogya Loiwal)
On the current situation in Bangladesh, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller says, "We have seen the announcement that Prime Minister Hasina has resigned from her position and departed Bangladesh. We are monitoring the situation carefully. The United States stands with the people of Bangladesh. We urge all parties to refrain from further violence. Too many lives have been lost over the past several weeks, and we urge calm and restraint in the days ahead. We welcome the announcement of the interim government and urge any transition be conducted in accordance with Bangladesh's laws. We are deeply saddened about the reports of Human Rights abuses, casualties and injuries over the weekend in the past weeks..." (ANI)
Viral videos on social media show protestors inside the National Assembly of Bangladesh creating a ruckus.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said on Bangladesh unrest, "The last two weeks in Bangladesh have seen unprecedented levels of violence and tragic loss of life. A transitional period has been announced by the Chief of the Army Staff. All sides now need to work together to end the violence, restore calm, deescalate the situation and prevent any further loss of life."
"The people of Bangladesh deserve a full and independent UN-led investigation into the events of the past few weeks. The UK wants to see action taken to ensure Bangladesh a peaceful and democratic future. The UK and Bangladesh have deep people-to-people links and shared Commonwealth values," he stated.
An ongoing curfew will be in effect from Monday midnight until 6 am on Tuesday, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate, the Dhaka Tribune reported.
Starting Tuesday morning, all government, semi-government, autonomous, semi-autonomous, private institutions, factories, schools, colleges, madrasas, universities and all educational institutions in Bangladesh will remain open, a press release of the ISPR said.
Bangladesh president orders release of jailed ex-PM and opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Khaleda Zia, AFP reported citing a statement. BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia will be released along with all other officials of the party.
A night curfew has been imposed along the Meghalaya international border adjoining Bangladesh in the wake of the violent protests and political turmoil in neighbouring country.
“Today evening, I called a meeting urgently on seeing the situation of the Bangladesh government which has already collapsed. We discussed certain issues and decided to impose a curfew all along the international borders with Bangladesh from tonight itself,” says Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister and in-charge Prestone Tynsong.
Union Ministers leave from 7, Lok Kalyan Marg after the conclusion of the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), in which PM Modi was briefed about the situation in Bangladesh, ANI reported
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met today at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. In the meeting, PM Modi was briefed about the situation in Bangladesh
At least 56 people were killed during violent unrest in Bangladesh on Monday as the prime minister was ousted, police and doctors said, updating an earlier toll, AFP reported.
Four Hindu temples suffered minor damages across the country, PTI reported citing eyewitnesses and a community leader.
On the political crisis in Bangladesh, RJD MP Manoj Jha tells ANI, "The situation in Bangladesh is very serious...We have to keep our strategic interests in mind and should have a keen eye on the political developments in our immediate neighbourhood as these kinds of situations could have some possible outcomes which can be undesirable for us...
A Dhaka-bound IndiGo flight from Chennai was diverted to Kolkata following the unrest in Bangladesh and the closure of the airport in its capital on Monday, an official said here.The flight landed at Kolkata at 4.56pm and left for Chennai after refuelling. Kolkata airport received a message from the Dhaka airport in the afternoon that it would be closed till 22.30 pm, according to another official.
Flight 6E 1113 with 81 passengers on board was diverted to the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata due to unrest in Dhaka, an Airports Authorities of India (AAI) official said.Air India also decided to cancel all its scheduled operation to and fro the Bangladesh capital. (PTI)
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval leaves Hindon Airbase in Ghaziabad after meeting former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina
Meghalaya imposes night curfew along its border with Bangladesh amid turmoil in neighbouring country: Meghalaya Deputy CM Prestone Tynsong (PTI)
Protesters in large numbers out in the streets of Dhaka in scenes of jubilation following the confirmation of news of Sheikh Hasina resigning as Bangladesh PM and leaving the country amid massive anti-government protests.
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in the capital Dhaka will remain shut for six hours from 6 pm Monday, Bangladesh media reported, quoting the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate. Airport officials said all operations at the airport had been shut since 4:54 pm. Quoting sources, the Daily Star reported that many people rushed to the airport after the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
NSA Ajit Doval meets Sheikh Hasina at Hindon airbase
At least 20 were killed in Monday's unrest in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka, AFP reported citing police
Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi met EAM Dr S Jaishankar on sidelines of the Monsoon session of Lok Sabha, the two discussed recent developments in Bangladesh ANI reported citing Congress Sources
People in Dhaka take to the streets as violence erupts in the country.
On political crisis in Bangladesh, Congress MP Manish Tewari tells ANI, "The situation in Bangladesh is sensitive. It's an evolving situation. I do hope that the Government would make a statement on the situation in Bangladesh tomorrow to both Houses of Parliament."
On political crisis in Bangladesh, Congress MP Manish Tewari tells ANI, "The situation in Bangladesh is sensitive. It's an evolving situation. I do hope that the Government would make a statement on the situation in Bangladesh tomorrow to both Houses of Parliament."
Bangladeshi Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman will hold direct talks with student and teacher representatives soon, a notification of the Inter-Services Public Relation (ISPR) informed on Monday evening, as reported by Dhaka Tribune.
High alert was implemented at the Bangladesh International Petrapol border in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal.
Border Security Force (BSF) also issued high alert along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Karimganj, Assam
"It's very worrying; first of all, as you know some 300 lives have been lost since July 1 when the trouble started, and that's already been a matter of grave concern for all of us. Bangladesh is our neighbouring country, people there are our own brothers and sisters... what happens there affects our neighbourhood as well in a very intimate way. Bangladesh, on three sides, is surrounded by India, so that's an important concern," Congress MP Shashi Tharoor tells PTI on the Bangladesh crisis.
EAM Dr S Jaishankar briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the situation in Bangladesh, news agency ANI reported citing sources.
Earlier today, Sheikh Hasina's son, US-based Sajeeb Wazed Joy said, “Bangladesh today runs the risk of becoming Pakistan again…” and added that he will “continue to fight for democracy in Bangladesh.”
India suspends all train services with Bangladesh amid violent unrest
“The incidence in Bangladesh is basically a result of the economic crisis. Unemployment is rising, and students are struggling for jobs. However, the government has not given jobs to the youngsters. Also, the authoritarian style of functioning of the government has given another reason,” CPI(M) leader V Sivadasan tells PTI on violent protests and political crisis in Bangladesh.
Air India posts on X, "In view of the emerging situation in Bangladesh, we have cancelled the scheduled operation of our flights to and from Dhaka with immediate effect. We are continuously monitoring the situation and are extending support to our passengers with confirmed bookings for travel to and from Dhaka with a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation charges...Safety of our guests and crew remains our foremost priority. For more information, please call our 24/7 Contact Centre at 011-69329333 / 011-69329999."
Sheikh Hasina’s C130J lands in Hindon Air Force base
"BSF is constantly in touch with Border Guard Bangladesh over the current situation. As of now, the situation is normal at the border. Due to the curfew in Bangladesh, there are restrictions on traffic movement at Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) along India-Bangladesh border," says a senior BSF officer, as per ANI.
Sheikh Hasina is to land in Delhi soon. She’ll be here tonight at least. Will be taken to a safe place, sources say.
Dr. Asif Nazrul, Dhaka University professor who is among the prominent faces of the protest, has released a video on Facebook, appealing to the protesters for calm. He was among the political leaders and academics invited by the Army for talk.
"We are in talks with the Army chief, and I believe he has understood what we want and expect. My request to the youth to have some patience, and maintain peace. This is our country, and we will from now work on the right path," he said in his message to students and the people of the country.
On political crisis in Bangladesh, former Foreign Secretary and ex-Ambassador to Bangladesh, Harsh Vardhan Shringla tells ANI, "I have been saying in many of my interactions with the media, including with ANI, that there are underlying factors behind this. On the face of it, it has been the quota issue that the students have put forward. But there are underlying economic factors. COVID-19 has hit Bangladesh economy very hard. In addition to that, the Ukraine conflict has resulted in spiking the prices of essential commodities...They had a very difficult balance of payment. Inflation has gone up by 17-20%. So, all of this is essentially now coming to a situation where people are expressing their frustration on the streets. So, I would also look at it as an economic factor and opportunists - whether it is the Opposition BNT or Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami...They have joined the protest and they have put in the violence in the protest. You can't rule out the involvement of foreign powers who are inimical to Bangladesh's interest and to our security also. You cannot rule out the fact that certain interests have been fishing in troubled waters. But I think the situation itself was a result of several underlying factors, inherent within Bangladesh."
On political crisis in Bangladesh, former Foreign Secretary and ex-Ambassador to Bangladesh, Harsh Vardhan Shringla tells ANI, "...I would also look at it as an economic factor and opportunists - whether it is the Opposition BNP or Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami...They have joined the protest and they have put in the violence in the protest. You can't rule out the involvement of foreign powers who are inimical to Bangladesh's interest and to our security also. You cannot rule out the fact that certain interests have been fishing in troubled waters. But I think the situation itself was a result of several underlying factors, inherent within Bangladesh."
Sheikh Hasina is on C 130-J Hercules and headed to New Delhi from where she can leave for London, sources said. Read More: Sheikh Hasina Headed To Delhi Amid Coup In Bangladesh, Army Chief Meets President
Urge all to maintain peace in West Bengal, avoid provocation: Mamata in the wake of developments in neighbouring Bangladesh, PTI reported. "I appeal to the people of Bengal to maintain peace. Do not pay attention to any kind of rumours. This is a matter between two countries, we will support whatever decision the Central government takes," ANI quoted her as saying.
Visuals from Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Fulbari on the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri from where Bangladesh nationals can be seen crossing over to their country
Security beefed up outside the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi in the wake of the violent protests killing hundreds and the subsequent political turmoil in the neighbouring country.
Amid a political crisis in Bangladesh, will former PM Sheikh Hasina be staying here in India; former Foreign Secretary and ex-Ambassador to Bangladesh, Harsh Vardhan Shringla tells ANI, "It is difficult for me to say. Keep in mind that Sheikh Hasina was here right from 1975 till about 1979 or so when she went back to her country after the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rehman - her father. India has never denied safe haven or asylum to those who have been in our neighbourhood. But my own sense is that there are many other places that the PM may go...We cannot speculate at this point."
Awami League offices and the residences of the officials in Dhaka are being burnt by protestors. In a symbolic act of defiance, protesters in Dhaka also climbed atop a statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina's father, and Bangladesh’s independence leader, and began chiselling away at the head with an axe.
Protesters have set fire to the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Museum at Dhanmondi area of capital Dhaka. According to a Prothom Alo report, the fire started at around 3:45 pm. Chanting anti-government slogans, protesters also set fire to the Dhaka district office of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League party. Her 3/A Dhanmondi office was also set fire to, the report said.
India Is Learnt To Have denied asylum to Sheikh Hasina after she landed in Agartala. Sources told ABP Live that India told her after negotiations that it will extend all help but wont be able to offer asylum. It is learnt that she is now headed to either Finland or Switzerland.
Bangladesh's Sheikh Hasina is coming to Delhi via Agartala as a coup has started in Bangladesh and the country is under military rule.
Background
Bangladesh Protest LIVE Updates: Hello and welcome to ABP News Live Blog. Please follow the space and keep refreshing the page for all the latest updates pertaining to the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned on Monday and left the country. The massive protests has led to more than 300 deaths in the country in the last two days.
Sheikh Hasina has left on a helicopter for New Delhi through Agartala, sources told ABP Live. However, the Ministry of External Affairs or local officials in Agartala refused to confirm the report. Tripura Home Secretary P.K. Chakravarty told PTI we have no such information. The private Jamuna television news channel reported that Hasina was forced to quit as prime minister after massive protests against her government over a controversial quota system that reserved 30 per cent of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh's War of Independence in 1971.
Dhaka: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and left the country, as announced by Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman in a televised address on Monday. The 76-year-old leader departed with her sister in a military helicopter and is reportedly headed to India. An interim government will be formed shortly, General Zaman confirmed.
The resignation comes in the wake of intense and widespread protests led by the 'Students Against Discrimination' group. These protests initially called for the scrapping of a controversial quota system in government jobs and escalated into a demand for Hasina's resignation. Last month, student groups halted their demonstrations after the Supreme Court scrapped most quotas on July 21. However, they resumed protests last week, demanding a public apology from Hasina for the violence, the restoration of internet services, the reopening of educational institutions, and the release of those arrested.
Television visuals showed thousands of people pouring into the streets of Dhaka in jubilation, chanting slogans and celebrating the news. Crowds stormed Hasina's official residence, 'Ganabhaban,' with many seen carrying away televisions, chairs, and tables from the highly protected building. Protesters even climbed atop a statue of independence leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina's father, and began chiselling away at its head with an axe.
The student activists had called for a march to the capital on Monday, defying a nationwide curfew, following deadly clashes across the country that left nearly 100 people dead the previous day. These events add to the violence from last month, which saw approximately 150 people killed in protests.
The political turmoil in Bangladesh began with demands to reform the job quota system, which many claimed favoured loyalists of Hasina's ruling Awami League. Despite winning a fourth straight term in January in an election boycotted by the opposition, Hasina faced mounting criticism and accusations of using excessive force against protesters.
- - - - - - - - - Advertisement - - - - - - - - -