Bangladesh Protests LIVE: NSA Ajit Doval meets Sheikh Hasina at IAF base near Delhi

Students Against Discrimination to place outline of national govt soon

As both the protesters and the Bangladeshi army figure out the plan of action after the country’s PM Sheikh Hasina has resigned and fled the country, Students Against Discrimination will present the outline of the national government soon, Prothom Alo reported.

The group is expected to reveal the outline at SAARC Fountain in the capital’s Karwan Bazar.

Kaleda Zia urges people to remain calm

Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia gave her first remarks after her arch-rival Sheikh Hasina resigned from the Prime Ministerial post. In her statement released on Monday, she urged people to remain calm. BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman also made a similar call. BNP chairperson’s press wing officer Shamsuddin Didar said in a press release, Prothom Alo reported.

Rahul Gandhi met with EAM Jaishankar

As Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina lands in India, reports are emerging that the Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has met with External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar. Gandhi’s meeting with Jaishankar came after the latter briefed PM Modi about the situation.

The External Affairs Minister is also expected to address the ongoing Bangladesh crisis during his speech at the parliament tomorrow.

Sheikh Hasina to not make a political comeback, says son

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed said that the longtime premier will no longer return to politics. During a conversation with BBC, Joy said that she was “so disappointed that after all her hard work, for a minority to rise up against her”.

Joy also mentioned that Hasina had been planing to resign since yesterday. “She has turned Bangladesh around. When she took over power it was considered a failing state. It was a poor country. Until today it was considered one of the rising tigers of Asia. She’s very disappointed,” he averred.

However, he rejected assertions that the Hasina administration was hard on the protesters. “You’ve had policemen beaten to death – 13 just yesterday. So what do you expect the police to do when mobs are beating people to death?” he asked.

Meghalaya government imposes curfew along the border with Bangladesh

The Meghalaya government has decided to impose a curfew along the international border with Bangladesh. Deputy Chief Minister (in charge of Home (Police) Preston Tynsong stated that the curfew will be in effect from 6 PM to 6 AM and will be enforced up to a distance of only 200 meters inside the Indian territory.

Source: News18 Assam

Air India cancels flights to and from Dhaka

Amid the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh, Air India announced that they are cancelling all the flights scheduled to and from Dhaka. “In view of the emerging situation in Bangladesh, we have cancelled the scheduled operation of our flights to and from Dhaka with immediate effect. We are continuously monitoring the situation and are extending support to our passengers with confirmed bookings for travel to and from Dhaka with a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation charges,” Air India wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Safety of our guests and crew remains our foremost priority.
For more information, please call our 24/7 Contact Centre at 011-69329333 / 011-69329999,” the statement further reads.

Behind the protests: ISI conspiracy in Bangladesh to topple Sheikh Hasina - Report

Pakistan’s Intelligence agency ISI is using students to create tension in Bangladesh as it wants to establish an anti-India government by dislodging Sheikh Hasina, CNN-News18 quoted top Intelligence sources as saying.

ISI sleeper cells are working full-time in Dhaka to dislodge Hasina, they said.

“ISI is using Jamat and their student unit Chhatra Shivir to aggravate the crisis in Dhaka. Jamat is considered to be very close to Pakistan and secret funding was given to them from time to time. They regularly get briefings and instructions from the Pakistan mission in Dhaka,” they told CNN-News18.

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BREAKING: Sheikh Hasina has landed in Hindon Airbase

Hours after Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left Dhaka reports are emerging that Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina’s plane has landed for a refuelling. According to the reports obtained by News18, the aircraft landed at Hindon Airbase for refuelling and will be leaving for London. However, the Indian authorities are yet to confirm the news.

Celebratory processions are being held in Bangladesh after Hasina's resignation

Amid the chaos in Bangladesh, reports are emerging that celebratory processions are being conducted across the country after the resignation of PM Sheikh Hasina. According to The Dhaka Tribune, celebratory rallies were held in Chittagong at 3:00 PM on Monday.

Sweets were distributed, and shopkeepers reported that all their sweets were sold out within an hour. As per the reports, the largest gathering in the city took place at the New Market area, where sweets were distributed alongside victory celebrations.

Similar celebrations were also held in Khulna.

A joyous procession was held in Kulna on Monday. X

FP Explains: Who will run Bangladesh now that Hasina has resigned

After being at the receiving end of protests and slogans such as “One, two, three, four, Sheikh Hasina is a dictator”, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given in and resigned from her post.

The 76-year-old, who has ruled the South Asian nation of 170 million with an iron fist since 2009, has resigned and has fled the nation. Reports say that she is en route to India.

As turmoil unfolds in India’s neighbourhood, here’s a recap of what happened so far and what could come next.

Read more.

Dhaka Airport shuts down

While Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has left the country, The authorities have announced the closure of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport following the fall of the government. According to The Dhaka Tribune, all flights have been suspended in since 4:45 PM local time.

The information was confirmed by the airport Director Group Captain Kamrul Islam. “We will inform you as soon as any instructions are received,” he said, adding that there is no instruction yet regarding the resumption of flights.

Sheikh Hasina leaving for London after stopover in India, say diplomatic sources

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who resigned on Monday following unprecedented anti-government protests, is on her way to London through India, multiple diplomatic sources said.

Hasina is learnt to be travelling in a transport aircraft of the Bangladesh Air Force and it is expected to have a stopover in India.

It is not immediately clear whether the military transport aircraft will take her beyond India or she will travel to London in a different plane.

India decided to provide a safe passage through the Indian airspace to Hasina’s aircraft following a request from Dhaka, the sources cited above told PTI.

Indian government sources said New Delhi is closely following the fast-paced developments in Dhaka.

There is no reaction yet from India on the unfolding developments in Bangladesh.

In Dhaka, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman said Hasina has resigned and an interim government is taking over the responsibilities.

“I’m taking all responsibility (of the country). Please cooperate,” he said in a televised address.

The Army chief said he had met political leaders and told them the Army would take over responsibility for law and order.

More than 100 people have been killed in the protests against the Hasina government over the last two days.

The students’ protests in Bangladesh started last month against a controversial job quota scheme. The protests now have turned into an anti-government agitation.

The controversial quota system provided for 30 per cent reservations in civil services jobs for the families of veterans who fought the 1971 liberation war.

You can't rule out involvement of foreign powers, says ex-Bangladesh Ambassador Shringla

While giving his take on the political crisis in Bangladesh, former Foreign Secretary and ex-Ambassador to Bangladesh, Harsh Vardhan Shringla said that the involvement of foreign powers cannot be ruled out.

“…I would also look at it as an economic factor and opportunists – whether it is the Opposition BNT or Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami…They have joined the protest and they have put in the violence in the protest,” Ambassador Shringla averred.

“You can’t rule out the involvement of foreign powers who are inimical to Bangladesh’s interest and our security also. You cannot rule out the fact that certain interests have been fishing in troubled waters. But I think the situation itself was a result of several underlying factors, inherent within Bangladesh,” he added.

Will General Waker-uz-Zaman become the architect of stability in Bangladesh's political turmoil?

General Waker-uz-Zaman, the Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh, has emerged as a key figure in the country’s current political climate.

In response to escalating tensions marked by over a month of deadly protests and following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, General Waker-uz-Zaman is set to deliver a critical televised address, which was originally scheduled for 2:00 pm and has been rescheduled to 4:00 pm, Bangladesh time. The army urged the public to remain patient and adhere to the guidelines issued as the nation stands at a crossroads. This address is highly anticipated, as it follows the imposition of a curfew to maintain law and order and reflects the army’s commitment to upholding the Constitution and restoring peace amidst a volatile political landscape.

Read our analysis on the matter.

Will General Waker-uz-Zaman become the architect of stability in Bangladesh's political turmoil?

General Waker-uz-Zaman, the Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh, has emerged as a key figure in the country’s current political climate.

In response to escalating tensions marked by over a month of deadly protests and following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, General Waker-uz-Zaman is set to deliver a critical televised address, which was originally scheduled for 2:00 pm and has been rescheduled to 4:00 pm, Bangladesh time. The army urged the public to remain patient and adhere to the guidelines issued as the nation stands at a crossroads. This address is highly anticipated, as it follows the imposition of a curfew to maintain law and order and reflects the army’s commitment to upholding the Constitution and restoring peace amidst a volatile political landscape.

Read our analysis on the matter.

FP Explains: Why did Sheikh Hasina quit as Bangladesh PM and flee the country?

The anti-government protests in Bangladesh have led to an unexpected outcome – the ouster of its longest-serving prime minister. Sheikh Hasina has resigned and fled the country.

Reports say that Hasina and her sister have been taken by an army helicopter to safety. The whereabouts of the Bangladesh leader are unclear. However, she’s thought to be heading to India, according to reports.

For several weeks in July, Bangladesh was wracked by its most serious episode of civil unrest in decades. Then came peace, or so everyone thought. The violence and anger returned to the streets of Bangladesh on Sunday, forcing the authorities to cut off mobile internet and enforce a nationwide curfew for an indefinite period.

So what led Sheikh Hasina to quit? We take a look.

Read Here. 

Sheikh Hasina has resigned as the Bangladesh prime minister after 15 years in power. She fled the country after anti-government protests in which hundreds of people have been killed. File photo/Reuters

No State of Emergency in Bangladesh: Army Chief

Despite the riot-like situation across the country, Bangladesh’s  Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman said that there will be “no state of emergency” in the country. The proclamation from the army chief came just hours after Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina tendered her resignation and fled the country.

“We will form an interim government and manage the country. I promise we will prosecute all murders and injustices,” Zaman said in his address to the nation.

“The army will not fire. Police won’t shoot either. We will make a decision by tonight. But it may take a couple of days to execute,” he added.

First picture of Sheikh Hasina putting down her papers

As Bangladesh protests continue to rage News18 has accessed the photograph of Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina putting down her papers.

First Image of Sheikh Hasina resigning from the PM post. News18

India issues travel advisory for Bangladesh

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs warned Indian nationals against travelling to Bangladesh as protests rage on in the country.

“In view of ongoing developments, Indian nationals are strongly advised against travelling to Bangladesh till further notice,” the MEA said in a statement.

“All Indian nationals presently in Bangladesh are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements and remain in contact with the High Commission of India in Dhaka,” the statement further reads.

Advisory for Bangladesh:https://t.co/mKs1auhnlK pic.twitter.com/m5c5Y0Bn8b

Awami League Dhaka district office set on fire

After the office in Dhanmondi, protesters have also set fire to the Awami League Dhaka district office. According to Prothom Alo, the fire was set at around 4:00 pm local time on Monday. At the time, the fire spread to a nearby gas cylinder shop.

Bangladesh Home Minister's residence vandalised

Several protesters vandalised the residence of Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan in Dhanmondi. According to The Dhaka Tribune, thousands of protesters had broken through the entrance and entered the minister’s residence.

Smoke was also seen billowing from inside the house, and vandalism was taking place within the premises.

Breaking: Bangladesh Air Force aircraft flying over Dhanbad

Just moments after reports emerged that Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had landed in India, the Bangladesh Air Force flight AJAX1431 was seen flying over Dhanbad, according to Flightradar 24. Hence, the whereabouts of the Bangladeshi PM is still not clear.

Breaking: Awami League Dhanmondi office set on fire

While Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has stepped down and left the country, the riot-like situation still persists across the nation. Amid the chaos, protesters have set fire to Awami League president Sheikh Hasina’s office in Dhanmondi 3/A in the capital. They were also seen chanting slogans in the region.

The protestors set fire to Awami League president Sheikh Hasina’s office in Dhanmondi. X

BSF issues high alert along the India-Bangladesh border

On Monday, officials said the Border Security Force (BSF) issued a “high alert” across all its formations along the 4,096-km India-Bangladesh border in the wake of developments in neighbouring countries.

BSF director general (acting) Daljit Singh Chawdhary and other senior commanders have landed in Kolkata to review the security situation, they said.

The force has directed all its field commanders to be “on the ground” and “deploy all personnel on border duty immediately”, a senior officer told PTI.

The leaves of all the personnel posted along the Bangladesh border were cancelled in the last few weeks after Bangladesh witnessed massive protests and now all units have been asked to “acquire an all alert posture”, he said.

The BSF guards the Indian front on the eastern flank of the country that runs along five states.

West Bengal shares a total of 2,217 kilometres of border with Bangladesh, along with Tripura (856 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Assam (262 km) and Mizoram (318 km).

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday resigned and left the country, several news reports said, amid massive protests against her government that claimed more than 106 lives in the last two days.

However, there was no official confirmation about her quitting and leaving Dhaka.

Source: PTI

WATCH: Protesters destroy the statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rehman

As the clashes between Bangladeshi police and protesters take the country by storm, videos are circulating in which the protesters can be seen destroying the statue of the founding father and first President of Bangladesh Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

What Army Chief Waker-Uz-Zaman said in his address

Shortly after Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country, the Chief of General Staff of the Bangladesh Army Waker-Uz-Zaman said that she had resigned from her post.

The army assured that an interim government will be formed “through a discussion”.

He also assured that perpetrators of all killings will be brought to book. “Maintain peace and tranquillity in the country. We will be able to run the country nicely,” Waker-Uz-Zaman.

Breaking: Sheikh Hasina lands in Agartala, India

In a major turn of events, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reportedly landed in Agartala after she fled her own country a few hours ago. Hasina had to step down and flee Dhaka as the nationwide anti-government protests that has taken over Bangladesh in span of few weeks has led to a riot like situation across the country.

Timeline of events that led to Hasina's resignation

Here’s a look at the events that took place in Bangladesh which eventually led to the fall of PM Sheikh Hasina:

July 1, 2024: Blockades Begin

• University students initiated blockades, disrupting roads and railway lines.
• Their demand was for reforms in the quota system for public sector jobs, which they claimed favoured loyalists of Hasina’s ruling Awami League.
• Having won a fifth term in January, Hasina dismissed the protests, stating students were “wasting their time”.

July 16, 2024: Violence intensifies

• Violence escalated with the first recorded deaths of six people following clashes between protesters and pro-government supporters in Dhaka.
• In response, Hasina’s government closed schools and universities nationwide.

July 18, 2024: PM Hasina rebuffed

• Students rejected Hasina’s appeal for calm and continued to demand her resignation.
• Protesters chanted “down with the dictator,” and torched the headquarters of Bangladesh Television along with other government buildings.
• The government imposed an internet blackout to curb the unrest.
• Clashes left at least 32 people dead and hundreds injured, despite a curfew and soldier deployment.

July 21, 2024: Supreme Court verdict

• Bangladesh’s Supreme Court ruled against reintroducing job quotas, a decision critics viewed as aligning with Hasina’s government.
• The verdict did not satisfy protesters’ demands to abolish job reservations for children of “freedom fighters” from Bangladesh’s 1971 independence war.

August 4, 2024: Army sides with protesters

• Hundreds of thousands clashed with government supporters again, resulting in 68 deaths, including 14 police officers.
• Former Army chief General Ikbal Karim Bhuiyan urged the government to withdraw troops and condemned the killings.
• Current Army chief Waker-uz-Zaman stated the armed forces “always stood by the people”.

August 5, 2024: Call for final protest

• Leaders of the civil disobedience campaign called on supporters to march on Dhaka for a “final protest”.
• The escalating confrontation with the government led to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigning and fleeing the capital, Dhaka.

BREAKING: Hasina is heading to Agartala: Reports

Shortly after the news broke out that Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had left the country BBC Bangla has reported that she might be heading to Agartala. Hasina left the country with her sister Sheikh Rehana.

(File) Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. AP

Army Chief Waker-Uz-Zaman likely to address around 4 pm

As the clashes in Bangladesh continue to intensify, reports are emerging that the country’s Chief of Army Staff (CAS) Waker-Uz-Zaman will likely address the nation at around 4 pm. On Sunday, the Army chief conducted a staff level meeting in which he said that Bangladesh Army “will stand by the people”.