Image Credit: Air Force Technology
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had been in India since yesterday, was not aboard the C-130J transport aircraft that took off from Hindon Air Base at around 9 AM today. The aircraft, belonging to the Bangladesh Air Force, was carrying seven military personnel en route to its base in Bangladesh, according to ANI.
Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule as Bangladesh’s prime minister came to an abrupt end on Monday following her flight from the country after over a month of deadly protests. The protests, which began in early July, initially targeted preferential job quotas but quickly evolved into a broader movement demanding her resignation. The unrest culminated in a brutal crackdown on Sunday, leaving nearly 100 people dead, and forcing Hasina to flee.
The former prime minister’s departure marks a significant turning point for Bangladesh, as the military announced plans to form an interim government to stabilize the nation. Hasina’s attempts to suppress the nationwide protests failed, leading to a surge in violence and unrest that her administration could not contain. The situation deteriorated rapidly over the weekend, with clashes between protesters and security forces resulting in hundreds of deaths.
Hasina’s escape to India underscores the severity of the crisis in Bangladesh. Her decision to leave the country was driven by the escalating violence and the inability of her government to restore order. Fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with her administration’s policies and governance, the protests had reached a tipping point, forcing her hand.