Key Developments
Airport Closure and Flight Cancellations: Bangladesh’s international airport in Dhaka has been closed for six hours due to ongoing violent protests. Air India has canceled all flights to Dhaka with immediate effect, citing the deteriorating situation. The airline is offering support to passengers with confirmed bookings, including waivers on rescheduling and cancellation charges.
Sheikh Hasina’s Resignation: On Monday, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left Dhaka with her sister for a “safer place.” Their aircraft, a C-130, landed at Hindon Air Base near Delhi. Reports indicate she plans to seek refuge in London.
Border Security Measures: The Border Security Force (BSF) has issued a ‘high alert’ along the 4,096 km India-Bangladesh border following Hasina’s resignation. BSF Acting DG Daljit Singh Chawdhary and senior officials have arrived in Kolkata to review security measures.
Protests and Violence: Protests demanding Hasina’s resignation, sparked by quota system grievances, have resulted in over 94 deaths and numerous injuries in Dhaka. Among the deceased are at least 14 police officers. The military has imposed a curfew in Dhaka and other cities in response to the violence.
Government Response: The Bangladeshi government has declared a three-day holiday and indefinitely closed courts. Mobile internet services have been suspended, and access to social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram has been blocked.
Travel Advisory: The Indian government has issued a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid travel to Bangladesh due to the ongoing unrest.
Background: The protests, initially a peaceful student movement against a preferential quota system for government jobs, have escalated into widespread violence against PM Hasina’s administration and economic policies. Despite a crackdown involving over 10,000 arrests, protests have intensified since Friday.