Indian security agencies are closely monitoring a Bangladesh Air Force C-130 aircraft with the call sign AJAX1431 as it moves towards Delhi. The plane, believed to be carrying Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her entourage, entered Indian airspace from Bangladesh around 10 kilometers from the border.
Sources indicate the aircraft is expected to land in Delhi between 5:00 PM and 5:15 PM. It has already crossed Patna and is approaching the Uttar Pradesh-Bihar border. Top security officials are closely monitoring the situation, with all radars activated to track the plane.
Bangladesh Army Takes Control, Calls for Peace
Meanwhile, a significant development has unfolded in Bangladesh. The country’s Chief of Army Staff, General Waqar-uz-Zaman, announced on Monday that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned, and an interim government will be formed.
The Army Chief emphasized that a political transition is underway and all those involved in murders will be brought to justice. He appealed for peace and order, urging the public to trust the army and refrain from violence.
“Maintain peace and order in the country. You trust me, let’s work together. Please help. I won’t get anything by fighting. Avoid conflict. We have built a beautiful country together,” the Army Chief said.
The Army Chief disclosed having met with representatives from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jatiya Party, and Jamaat-e-Islami, as well as with teachers Afis Nazrul and Jonayet Saki.
Economic Factors Fuel Unrest
While the student-led protests initially appeared to be driven by quota issues, the Army Chief highlighted underlying economic challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict have severely impacted Bangladesh’s economy, leading to soaring inflation and a balance of payments crisis. This economic distress has fueled public discontent and created a volatile environment.
The Chief of Army Staff pointed out that opposition groups, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, have exploited the situation to incite violence. He also warned of potential foreign interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs.
“You cannot 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,” he stated.
The Army Chief concluded that the complex situation in Bangladesh is a result of multiple factors, including economic hardships and opportunistic political maneuvering.
