Protests over job quota reforms in Bangladesh have escalated dramatically, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina departed Dhaka and landed at Hindon Air Base near Delhi on Monday. According to officials from the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi, her resignation followed weeks of intense demonstrations and violent unrest.
Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman announced the formation of an interim government and urged protesters to end the violence. Despite Hasina’s departure, unrest continues in Bangladesh, with protesters storming the Parliament in Dhaka and clashing with security forces.
Former Prime Minister Hasina landed near Delhi at 5:36 pm on Monday, shortly after her resignation and departure from Bangladesh. India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met her at the Hindon airbase. During their meeting, Hasina discussed the crisis in Bangladesh and her future plans with Doval.
Her departure marks the end of her 15-year rule and follows weeks of unrest that left over 300 dead.
In response to the crisis, the Border Security Force (BSF) has issued a high alert along the India-Bangladesh border. Train services, both passenger and freight, to the border areas have been suspended. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the situation, while former Indian Ambassador Harsh Vardhan Shringla suggested that foreign powers might be involved in the unrest.
Protests began peacefully in late June, with students demanding an end to the quota system for government jobs. The situation turned violent after clashes between protesters, police, and pro-government activists at Dhaka University. Efforts to suppress the demonstrations led to further violence, with nearly 300 people killed and increased demands for Hasina’s resignation.
In defiance of a nationwide curfew, thousands of protesters participated in a “Long March to Dhaka” on Monday, marching past armored vehicles and armed security personnel. They also stormed Hasina’s official residence, Ganabhaban, removing items from one of the country’s most protected buildings.
The violence intensified on July 16 when student activists clashed with security officials and pro-government supporters, prompting a heavy-handed response from authorities, including tear gas, rubber bullets, and a shoot-on-sight order. Internet and mobile data services were also suspended.
PM Modi chairs Cabinet meet
In response to the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) today at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. The meeting focused on the escalating situation in Bangladesh, where recent turmoil has led to significant political instability.
Meghalaya to impose curfew
Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong announced the imposition of a curfew along the international border with Bangladesh. The curfew, set to begin tonight, will cover an area extending up to 200 meters inside Indian territory from the zero point or international border pillar. It will be in effect from 6 pm to 6 am daily until the situation improves.
Tharoor emphasizes India’s interest in Bangladesh stability
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor stressed the importance of addressing the unrest in Bangladesh, stating that India cannot remain indifferent to the developments. Tharoor expressed concern over the loss of approximately 300 lives since the crisis began on July 1. He highlighted the intimate connection between the two countries, noting that instability in Bangladesh impacts India significantly. “Bangladesh is surrounded by India on three sides, making the situation a major concern for us,” Tharoor told PTI.
EU calls for peaceful transition to democracy in Bangladesh
The European Union has called for an “orderly and peaceful” transition to democratic governance in Bangladesh following the recent political upheaval. The EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, emphasized the need for calm and restraint, urging that the transition to a democratically elected government be conducted with full respect for human rights and democratic principles.
MT