Image Credit: The Crossover
People from Bangladesh are arriving in India for work, crossing the Petrapole-Benapole border in the North 24 Parganas district, according to ANI, following the end of Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule as Bangladesh’s prime minister. On Monday, Hasina fled to India after over a month of deadly protests against her government. Hasina’s departure has prompted the Border Security Force (BSF) to tighten security along the border.
Since early July, Hasina’s administration had been struggling to suppress nationwide protests that erupted over allegations of corruption and economic mismanagement. These protests turned increasingly violent, culminating in a brutal unrest on Sunday that left nearly 100 people dead. Facing mounting pressure and fearing for her safety, Hasina fled the country on Monday.
Her arrival in India has triggered a significant increase in border crossings by Bangladeshi citizens seeking work and safety. The BSF has responded by bolstering security measures at the Petrapole-Benapole border to manage the influx and maintain order.
Media reports suggest that Hasina plans to travel to London, seeking refuge from the turmoil that has engulfed her homeland. Her flight underscores the severity of the crisis in Bangladesh, which has now led to the military announcing the formation of an interim government to stabilize the nation.
As the situation continues to evolve, the immediate impact on Bangladeshis is evident in the increased movement across the border. The international community is closely monitoring these developments, anticipating the future political landscape of Bangladesh and the potential implications for the region.