On August 5, Sheikh Hasina resigned from the position of Prime Minister in Bangladesh after 15 years of continuous rule. Her resignation followed months of escalating violence and protests, primarily led by students, against her government’s controversial decision to implement a new job quota system.
Journey of Sheikh Hasina as PM of Bangladesh
Sheikh Hasina Wazed was born on September 28, 1947. Her father’s name is Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a pivotal figure in Bangladesh’s history who played a crucial role in the country’s separation from Pakistan in 1971. In 1968, Sheikh Hasina married M.A. Wazed Miah, a distinguished Bengali scientist known for his contributions to the field of science. Her marriage to Wazed Miah was a significant personal and professional partnership, as he was a respected figure in his own right.
She started to be involved in politics in 1960 during her study period at the University of Dhaka. In 1971, Sheikh Hasina and other members of her family were briefly detained due to their participation in the uprising against the Pakistani authorities during the liberation war.
In 1991, during a free general election in Bangladesh, a democratic country, Sheikh Hasina did not secure a majority in parliament, which created political turmoil. Sheikh Hasina and her supporters alleged that the election was marred by dishonesty and irregularities orchestrated by the BNP.
After heavy political turmoil and unrest, Khaleda Zia, leader of the BNP government, agreed to compromise. As a result of this compromise, a new election was organized, and Sheikh Hasina became the Prime Minister of Bangladesh in June 1996. Since that time, she has been known as a Bengali Politician and the leader of the Awami League Political Party.
Resignation of Sheikh Hasina
The Army Chief of Bangladesh, Waker-uz-Zaman, confirmed the resignation of Sheikh Hasina. He also confirmed that Sheikh Hasina left the country along with her sister on Monday, 45 minutes after the resignation by a military chopper named C-130. The Army Chief announced that the military would assist in forming an interim government to manage the country’s political turmoil condition by seeking the president’s guidance.
At 5:36 PM IST, Sheikh Hasina landed at Hindon Airbase in Ghaziabad, near New Delhi. During that period the news of firing in Awami League’s Dhaka office has spread around. The protestors started chanting slogans and celebrating Sheikh Hasina’s resignation news from 4 p.m. Monday, and after that, political turmoil was created.
The Indian Air Force and other security agencies provide security to the former PM of Bangladesh. They ensure Sheikh Hasina can move to a safe location. Sheikh Hasina’s original plan was to shift to London and get political asylum after a brief stay in New Delhi. However, the British government indicated she might not receive legal protection in the UK against any potential investigations. This makes her reconsideration of her decision.
After a few hours of flying Sheikh Hasina, the president of Bangladesh, Mohammed Shahabuddin announced that they were dissolution the parliament of Bangladesh. This unexpected decision marks a pivotal moment in Bangladeshi politics, as it triggers a series of constitutional and political events. This move can be driven by various factors, including political turmoil, governance challenges, or strategic shifts within the government.
Current condition of Bangladesh
Political turmoil is seen among Bangladesh’s people. Massive violence has been created and the deaths of hundreds of individuals are increasing. Violence against Hindu people is increasing, which is spreading rapidly across social media and creating a climate of fear and insecurity. The general public started to refuge by fleeing the country and entering India to save their life and escape the increasing violence.
My heart is breaking, my eyes are crying. I believe in the power of prayer, I believe God answers prayers. Everybody please say a prayer for the Hindus in Bangladesh. God really does answer prayers. Please pray and help if you can. Tell everybody to pray🙏 #BangladeshViolence pic.twitter.com/N3XRfvfMeT
— Renee Lynn (@Voice_For_India) August 6, 2024Due to heavy violence and attacks on police and many government buildings, an official statement from Bangladesh Police is published, “Until the security of every member of the police is secured.” Even the protestors tried to tear down the statue of the independent leader of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of Sheikh Hasina.
Killing is not a solution. Bring perpetrators to justice. pic.twitter.com/1HASI26UCe
— MUKTADIR rashid ROMEO (@muktadirnewage) August 6, 2024Essential services and businesses are operating under restricted hours. Significant interruptions to transportation, including rail and bus services, have occurred. The violence has led to the closure of educational institutions and disruptions in financial and diplomatic services.
High Alert in India Bangladesh border
A “high alert” has been issued by the Border Security Force (BSF) across the 4,096 km India-Bangladesh Border. BSF Director General (Acting) Daljit Singh Chawdhary, along with other senior commanders, visited the border front in West Bengal to assess the security situation and safety.
Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Washington-based Wilson Center, expressed concerns over the political uncertainty in Bangladesh. He expressed, “Hasina’s exit would leave a major vacuum.” Also added, “The country is under uncharted territory.”
UPDATE
Air India will operate its evening flights AI237/238 on the Delhi-Dhaka-Delhi sector on 6 August 2024. In addition, due to the prevailing situation in Dhaka, Air India is offering a one-time waiver on rescheduling to customers, with confirmed bookings on any Air India…
— Air India (@airindia) August 6, 2024Air India has made specific operational adjustments and customer service provisions to ensure the safety and convenience of its passengers. Air India stated in an official statement, “Air India will operate its evening flights AI237/238 on the Delhi-Dhaka-Delhi sector on 6 August 2024. In addition, due to the prevailing situation in Dhaka, Air India is offering a one-time waiver on rescheduling to customers, with confirmed bookings on any Air India flight to and from Dhaka between the 4th and 7th of August 2024, if they desire to do so.”
FAQ
When did Sheikh Hasina resign from the PM position in Bangladesh?
On August 5, Sheikh Hasina resigned from the position of Prime Minister in Bangladesh after 15 years of continuous rule.
Who is Sheikh Hasina?
Sheikh Hasina is known as a Bengali Politician and the leader of the Awami League Political Party of Bangladesh.
What is happening in Bangladesh?
Political turmoil is happening in Bangladesh. After the resignation of Sheikh Hasina, the protestors started chanting slogans and celebrating Sheikh Hasina’s resignation news from 4 p.m. Monday, and after that, political turmoil was created.
Why did Sheikh Hasina resign?
Sheikh Hasina resigned because of escalating violence and protests, primarily led by students, against her government’s controversial decision to implement a new job quota system.
Did Sheikh Hasina flee from Bangladesh?
Yes. Sheikh Hasina left the country along with her sister on Monday 45 minutes after the resignation by a military chopper named C-130.
How is political turmoil increasing in Bangladesh?
Due to heavy violence and attacks on police and many government buildings, an official statement from Bangladesh Police is published, “Until the security of every member of the police is secured.” Even the protestors tried to tear down the statue of the independent leader of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of Sheikh Hasina.
How many years has Sheikh Hasina ruled Bangladesh?
Sheikh Hasina was in the position of Prime Minister in Bangladesh after 15 years of continuous rule.
Why are people leaving Bangladesh?
The general public started to refuge by fleeing the country and entering India to save their life and escape the increasing violence due to political turmoil after Sheikh Hasina’s resignation.
