Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Resigns and Leaves Dhaka Amid Protests and Vandalism

On Monday evening, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived at the Hindon Air Base near New Delhi in a C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft. The Indian Air Force and security agencies monitored the aircraft, which will be stationed near the Indian Air Force’s C-17 and C-130J Super Hercules aircraft hangars.

There is uncertainty regarding Sheikh Hasina’s next destination, with some reports indicating she might proceed to London. Indian Air Force fighter aircraft tracked the Bangladeshi C-130 as it entered Indian airspace, ensuring its safe passage.

Following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and departure from the country with her sister, a wave of celebrations and protests swept across Dhaka and Bangladesh. Crowds entered the Ganabhaban, the Prime Minister’s residence, taking various items, and similar incidents occurred at the Parliament building.

Protesters also set fire to Sudha Sadan, Sheikh Hasina’s private residence, and vandalized the Chief Justice’s residence, seizing items from both locations. The Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Museum and the Dhaka district office of the Awami League were similarly targeted and set ablaze.

Operations at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport were suspended for six hours amidst the chaos. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called for calm and mentioned a productive meeting with Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman, who is expected to announce members of the interim government soon.