In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina abruptly fled the country following deadly protests, marking the end of her 15-year rule. This decision came after the army, under the leadership of General Waker-Uz-Zaman, refused to enforce a curfew and suppress the protests by opening fire on civilians.
The Critical Meeting
The night before Hasina fled, General Waker-Uz-Zaman held a crucial meeting with his generals, during which it was decided that the army would not fire on civilians to enforce the lockdown Hasina had called for. According to two serving army officers with knowledge of the discussions, this decision was pivotal in signaling that Hasina no longer had the army’s support to stay in power.
Communication Breakdown
Following the meeting, General Waker-Uz-Zaman reached out to Hasina’s office to convey that his soldiers would not implement the curfew. An Indian official briefed on the matter confirmed that this message clearly indicated the loss of military support for Hasina.
The Deadly Protests
The nationwide curfew was imposed after at least 91 people were killed and hundreds injured in clashes, the deadliest day since student-led protests against Hasina began in July. The protests were initially triggered by a court ruling to reserve government jobs for certain segments of the population, which was later overturned but had already ignited a movement to oust Hasina.
Military’s Stance
The scale of the protests and the mounting death toll made it untenable for the army to continue supporting Hasina. Retired Brig. Gen. M. Sakhawat Hossain noted the unease within the troops, which pressured the army chief to avoid forceful suppression of the demonstrations. General Waker-Uz-Zaman, related to Hasina by marriage, publicly emphasized the protection of lives and patience among his officers, indicating a shift in the military’s stance.
Hasina’s Escape
On the first full day of the curfew, as tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Dhaka, Hasina decided to flee. She and her sister left for India around noon, following a meeting with security leaders. The Indian government, which had longstanding ties with Hasina, facilitated her temporary refuge but made it clear that her stay would not be long-term to avoid straining diplomatic relations with Bangladesh’s future government.
Aftermath and Future Prospects
Hasina’s abrupt departure leaves a power vacuum in Bangladesh. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, favored by the protesters to lead an interim government, criticized India’s foreign policy for supporting Hasina. The situation remains volatile, with calls for democracy and dialogue to resolve the ongoing crisis.
The refusal of the army to suppress the protests and the subsequent flight of Sheikh Hasina mark a significant moment in Bangladesh’s political landscape, potentially paving the way for new leadership and reform.
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