NSA Ajit Doval Welcomes Sheikh Hasina To India Amid Bangladesh Unrest

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, along with top military officials, met former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Ghaziabad’s Hindon Airbase. Hasina arrived in India after resigning due to escalating protests in Bangladesh.

Security Arrangements: The Indian Air Force and security agencies are providing protection to Hasina, who has been moved to a safe location in India.

Background and Resignation

Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Bangladesh’s founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, served as Prime Minister since 2009 and was in her fourth term. She resigned after protesters stormed her residence in Dhaka.

Protests and Violence: Since mid-July, protests against Hasina’s government resulted in nearly 300 deaths. Demonstrations began over a government job quota system but evolved into a broader uprising.

India’s Response

• Meetings: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the situation. Hasina had previously informed India’s High Commissioner in Bangladesh about attempts to destabilize her government.
• Official Stance: India described the situation as an “internal” matter for Bangladesh but has provided support to Hasina.

Political Context

Hasina’s resignation marks the end of a long-standing power struggle with Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Begum Khaleda Zia. Both women inherited political legacies from their families, with Hasina’s leadership tied to her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Interim Government and Investigation

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman announced an interim government would soon take over and promised an investigation into the violent crackdown on protests. The military aims to restore order and address the unrest that led to Hasina’s departure.