Bangladesh PM Hasina heads to Agartala after resignation amid political unrest

Her departure from office is expected to trigger a series of political maneuvers as the ruling Awami League scrambles to stabilize its leadership and chart a new course for the nation.

In a surprising turn of events, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned from her post and is reportedly en route to Agartala, India. According to BBC Bangla, Hasina departed from the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, via helicopter, accompanied by her sister. This development marks a significant moment in the country’s political landscape, which has been fraught with tension in recent months.

Eyewitnesses at Dhaka’s Tejgaon Airport confirmed the sighting of the prime minister’s helicopter lifting off in the early hours of the morning. The exact reasons for her sudden resignation remain unclear, but political analysts suggest it could be linked to the escalating political unrest and mounting pressure from opposition parties.

Hasina, who has been a dominant figure in Bangladeshi politics for decades, recently faced intense scrutiny and criticism over her handling of several key issues, including economic challenges, allegations of corruption, and human rights concerns. Her departure from office is expected to trigger a series of political maneuvers as the ruling Awami League scrambles to stabilize its leadership and chart a new course for the nation.

Sources close to the prime minister disclosed that Hasina’s decision to head to Agartala may be a strategic move, seeking refuge in a neighboring country with which Bangladesh shares historical ties. Agartala, located in the Indian state of Tripura, has previously served as a haven for Bangladeshi leaders during periods of political turmoil.

As news of Hasina’s resignation spread, reactions poured in from various quarters. The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) welcomed the move, calling it a victory for democratic forces. Meanwhile, supporters of the Awami League expressed shock and dismay, fearing instability and uncertainty in the days ahead.

The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with regional experts predicting potential implications for South Asian geopolitics. India, a key ally of Bangladesh, is expected to play a pivotal role in mediating any ensuing political crisis.