On Sunday, Sheikh Hasina called an urgent security meeting in a bid to address the escalating crisis gripping Bangladesh. However, she seemed to be in denial about the gravity of the situation and the imminent end of her tenure as prime minister. Within mere hours, the situation would unravel rapidly, leading to a dramatic and unforeseen departure.
Despite the escalating turmoil, it was actually the advice of her close family, rather than top security officials, that ultimately persuaded Hasina to flee. Her son revealed to the BBC that the decision to escape was made just in time—crowds breached her residence within hours of her departure.
The National Security Committee Meeting
The National Security Committee meeting, convened late Sunday morning, was a somber affair. The prime minister met with the country's top three military chiefs, senior security officials, and police leaders. The atmosphere was tense as the country faced unprecedented levels of unrest.
For weeks, anti-government protests had been raging across Bangladesh, placing immense pressure on Hasina. The violence had been severe, with hundreds of casualties reported—the worst since the country's war of independence in 1971. On Sunday alone, at least 90 people died, including demonstrators shot by security forces and a rising number of police officers killed by the angry crowds.
The Prime Minister’s Struggle
BBC Bangla learned that Sheikh Hasina was trying to keep her options open. While preparations were underway for her potential departure, she was intent on clinging to power until the very last moment—potentially by force. However, the military leaders were adamant that they would not support such a stance. Ordinary citizens and protesters were mingling with soldiers and officers in various parts of the country, making it clear that the situation was spiraling out of control.
The top military brass, after assessing the dire circumstances, informed Hasina that while they could not shoot at civilians, they would provide security backup to the police. However, it became apparent that even the police were running out of ammunition. Despite these warnings, Hasina remained resolute, and no one dared to challenge her directly.
The Defiant Message and Social Media
In the wake of the National Security Committee meeting, Hasina's press secretary issued a defiant statement, labeling the protesters as "terrorists" and urging resistance against what she described as "arsonists." The security forces were on edge, fearing an approaching civil war. As the violence intensified, images of the brutality, including wounded protesters and police officers, went viral on social media, further fueling public outrage.
The situation worsened when student leaders advanced their planned mass march on Dhaka by a day, catching the authorities off guard. Intelligence reports indicated that the students' demands were gaining traction and that thousands were poised to descend on the capital the next day.
Military Chiefs Intervene
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Army Chief Waker-Uz-Zaman decided to speak with the prime minister once more. Sources revealed that the three service chiefs met with her on Sunday evening, explaining that the situation was deteriorating and that large crowds were expected in Dhaka the following morning. They could no longer guarantee the safety of her residence.
Despite their advice, Hasina did not relent. By Sunday night, the presence of police was noticeably reduced, and many security barricades were unmanned. The shift in power was palpable.
Family Intervention
As the situation grew increasingly volatile, the military chiefs decided to involve family members in hopes of persuading Hasina to leave. They consulted her sister, Rehana Siddiq, to convince her elder sibling to flee. Rehana spoke with Hasina, but her resolve to stay in power remained unshaken.
Ultimately, it was Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and her daughter, Saima, who played a crucial role. Both, living abroad, urged her to leave. Their desperate pleas, combined with the presence of the army chief—who was related to Hasina by marriage—added to the pressure. Sajeeb recounted their efforts, emphasizing their fear for her safety and the urgency of her departure.
The Escape Plan
By Monday morning, Sheikh Hasina sought sanctuary from Indian government officials in Delhi. India, a long-time ally, advised her to leave the country. Reports suggested that Washington had already informed Indian officials that Hasina's time was up, and she had exhausted her options.
The situation required a covert operation to ensure her safe exit. Only a select few within the Special Security Force and senior military officers knew about Hasina’s resignation and her departure plans. At around 10:30 local time, the authorities shut down the internet to prevent any leaks about her movements. It was only restored after her departure.
Arrangements were made to transport Hasina to the airport securely. Given the risk of her convoy being attacked, the entire route was cleared, and the departure point was secured. Ultimately, it was deemed too dangerous to travel by road, so a helicopter was used instead.
Despite her reluctance, Hasina boarded the helicopter with her family. They were flown from Gono Bhaban to a waiting Bangladeshi Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft. Although reports vary, it is believed they were taken to Agartala, Tripura, before being flown to Delhi. Alternatively, some accounts suggest they were taken directly to Dhaka's airport and then to Delhi.
The Aftermath
Around 13:30 local time, Hasina, her sister, and a senior Awami League MP were transferred from the helicopter to the aircraft bound for Delhi. A video circulated showing suitcases waiting to be loaded, while crowds looted her residence.
Upon landing in Delhi, the exact destination of Hasina and her companions remained unclear. Back in Dhaka, the internet was restored, and celebrations erupted across Bangladesh, marking the end of Hasina's 15-year rule.
In the end, Sheikh Hasina, once seen as a democratic leader but later criticized as a despot, departed under the cover of internet blackout, leaving behind a nation in transition and a legacy marked by turmoil and abrupt change.
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