Former Bangladesh Prime Minister given 45 minutes by military to flee to India amid protests

NEW DELHI: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was given 45 minutes by the military to leave the country, according to sources.

According to Berita Harian, Hasina arrived at an Indian air force base yesterday afternoon after departing Bangladesh in response to large-scale protests against her government, as reported by Indian media.

Hasina flew out on a Bangladesh Air Force plane and landed at an Indian Air Force base in Ghaziabad, near New Delhi, as reported by India Today.

India Today further reported that Hasina initially intended to broadcast a message to the people before leaving Bangladesh but was prevented from doing so by the military.

Sources revealed that there were two factions within the Bangladesh military: one supporting Hasina and another consisting of lower-ranking officers and about 60 retired officers opposing her.

A National Security Council meeting was held around noon the day before, where the military informed Hasina that they would not obstruct student protests planned for Monday.

The situation remained stable until 9 a.m. yesterday. However, as thousands of students entered Dhaka from the Gazipur border, conditions worsened. The military then compelled Hasina to leave the country within 45 minutes, according to sources.

Earlier, Bangladesh’s Chief of Army Staff, General Waker-uz-Zaman, announced a transitional government after Hasina fled amid violent nationwide protests.

Authorities in Dhaka also closed Shahjalal International Airport, according to the national daily Prothom Alo.