Sheikh Hasina’s Flight Becomes World’s Most Tracked Plane Amid Bangladesh Crisis

On Monday, the Bangladesh Air Force plane carrying former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina became the most tracked aircraft globally, according to Flightradar24. The flight, identified as AJAX1413, was followed by over 29,000 people worldwide.

Flight Path: The aircraft was tracked above Varanasi at 4:30 pm and landed at Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad, India, around 6:30 pm. It was monitored by the Indian Air Force and security agencies.

Plans and Asylum Request

• Immediate Plans: After landing, Sheikh Hasina will be taken to a secure location in New Delhi and is expected to fly to London. She is accompanied by her sister Rehana, a UK citizen.
• Asylum Request: Hasina has requested political asylum in the UK. She will remain in India until she receives confirmation of asylum in a third country. The UK has not yet confirmed her asylum status.

Political Context

Resignation and Transition: Sheikh Hasina resigned amid massive and deadly protests in Bangladesh, which have resulted in nearly 250 deaths. Following her resignation, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman assumed control and announced the formation of an interim government.

Protests and Violence

The protests, which began over a controversial quota system for government jobs, have led to significant unrest and violence across the country.