Sheikh Hasina Lands in India, Meets Ajit Doval, Heads to Safe House; UK Next
Ghaziabad, India – In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina landed at Hindon Airbase on Monday evening after resigning and fleeing her country amidst intense anti-government protests.
Immediate Arrival and Meetings
Upon her arrival in India, Hasina met with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Sources confirm that she was taken to a “safe house” and is likely to travel to the United Kingdom soon.
Concerns in New Delhi
Hasina’s abrupt exit has stirred significant concerns in India. The Indian government, a long-time ally and supporter of the Awami League, is worried about the potential backlash from the widespread anger against her administration.
High-Level Meetings
On Monday night, Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting to assess the situation in Bangladesh. Key officials, including Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, were present. Jaishankar also briefed Modi on the developments and updated Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.
Security Measures
Hasina, accompanied by her sister, arrived in a Bangladesh Air Force C-130J military transport aircraft. During her meeting with Doval, senior military and intelligence officials were also present. Reports indicate that Hasina may meet her daughter, Saima Wazed, based in Delhi and working as the World Health Organization’s Regional Director for South-East Asia.
Evacuation Plans
The Indian Air Force has been mobilized to secure border areas and evacuate Indian nationals from Bangladesh, including high commission officials. This operation is expected to begin Tuesday.
Turmoil in Dhaka
Scenes of chaos unfolded in Dhaka as protesters ransacked Hasina’s office and residence, attacked Parliament, and vandalized the statue of Mujibur Rahman. The Indian government has heightened security at its diplomatic facilities in Bangladesh to mitigate the spread of unrest.
India-Bangladesh Relations
Since her return to power in 2008, Hasina has been a crucial ally for India in counter-terrorism efforts, targeting anti-India terrorist groups operating in Bangladesh. This collaboration strengthened ties between the two nations, despite criticisms of Hasina’s undemocratic methods.
Future Implications
India has supported Hasina through various crises, including questions about election rigging from the West. However, with her departure, there is concern about “anti-India elements” gaining influence in Bangladesh’s new power dynamics. India must now navigate these uncertainties and maintain its strategic partnerships within Bangladesh’s security and civil society sectors.
As Sheikh Hasina prepares for her next move, likely to the UK, the political landscape in Bangladesh remains volatile. India’s proactive measures to ensure the safety of its citizens and maintain stability in the region are crucial during this transitional period.