Arrival at Hindon Air Base
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived at Hindon Air Base near New Delhi on Monday evening, traveling in a C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft. Sources informed that the aircraft will remain stationed near the hangars of the Indian Air Force’s C-17 and C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. The Indian Air Force and security agencies monitored the aircraft’s entry into Indian airspace and its subsequent landing at the base in Ghaziabad. It remains unclear whether Sheikh Hasina will stay in Delhi or proceed to another location, with some Bangladeshi media outlets speculating a possible move to London.
Military and Security Preparedness
Upon the Bangladeshi C-130’s entry into Indian airspace, Indian Air Force fighter jets were deployed to monitor its progress. Sources confirmed that the Indian Air Force and Indian Army were on high alert to address any potential contingencies.
Unrest and Violence in Dhaka
In the wake of Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and departure, widespread unrest and violence erupted across Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh. According to Prothom Alo, Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman is expected to engage in direct talks with student-teacher representatives to address the situation. Following the Prime Minister’s resignation, a significant number of people stormed Ganabhaban, the official residence of the Prime Minister, and were seen looting various items from public buildings.
Widespread Vandalism and Property Damage
Protests escalated into acts of vandalism and arson throughout Dhaka. Sudha Sadan, the private residence of Sheikh Hasina’s family in Dhanmondi, was set ablaze and vandalized around 5:30 pm. Protesters also targeted the Chief Justice’s residence, climbing over walls to gain entry and subsequently looting and vandalizing the property.
The Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Museum at 32 Dhanmondi was also set on fire, with reports of the blaze raging within the premises. The Dhaka district office of the Awami League was similarly torched by agitators.
Impact on Key Infrastructure
Amid the turmoil, operations at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport were suspended for six hours, as announced by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The closure caused significant disruption to air travel and heightened the sense of instability.
H2: Calls for Calm
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir issued a plea for calm, urging the public to remain composed. He described his meeting with Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman as positive, with expectations that the Army Chief would soon announce members of an interim government to restore order.
As Bangladesh navigates this period of uncertainty, the focus remains on stabilizing the situation and addressing the grievances that have led to such widespread unrest.
Also Read: Bangladesh Protests: Over 300 Dead Amid Calls for PM Hasina’s Resignation
