Dhaka — In a dramatic turn of events, Sheikh Hasina’s long-standing tenure as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister came to an abrupt end after the army refused to suppress escalating protests. The army’s decision to abstain from enforcing a curfew was a pivotal factor leading to Hasina’s sudden departure from the country on August 5, 2024.
Hours before Hasina fled Bangladesh amid widespread unrest, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman convened a meeting with top military officials. During this meeting, it was decided that troops would not be used to enforce the curfew that Hasina had imposed. General Zaman then communicated to Hasina’s office that the army could not support the lockdown measures she had requested, signaling a significant loss of military backing.
The curfew was implemented following violent clashes across the nation, resulting in at least 91 fatalities and hundreds of injuries. These clashes, which marked the deadliest day since protests began in July, were driven by a court ruling that initially reserved government jobs for specific segments of the population. Although this ruling was later overturned, it sparked widespread demonstrations demanding Hasina’s resignation.
General Zaman, who is related to Hasina by marriage, had previously shown signs of wavering support. In a town hall meeting with officers on August 3, he emphasized the need to protect lives and urged patience, indicating a shift in military stance. This was the first clear sign that the army would not use force to quell the protests, leaving Hasina increasingly vulnerable.
On the morning of August 5, as the curfew took effect, crowds gathered in Dhaka, and the situation became unmanageable. Hasina, who had been holed up in her official residence, decided to leave the country. She and her sister, who was in Dhaka at the time, departed for India later that day.
Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar stated that New Delhi had been in touch with various political forces in Bangladesh to encourage dialogue throughout July. As the situation deteriorated, Hasina requested permission to seek refuge in India, which was granted on a temporary basis. Concerns about potential diplomatic fallout with Bangladesh’s future government influenced the decision to limit her stay.
Upon arrival in India, Hasina was met by Ajit Doval, India’s National Security Advisor. Her departure marks the end of a 15-year tenure characterized by strong central control and limited dissent. The unexpected resignation has sparked debate, including criticisms from figures like Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who suggested that India’s foreign policy had been misguided.
The military’s decision not to enforce the curfew and Hasina’s subsequent flight highlights the complex interplay of political, military, and diplomatic factors that led to this significant political shift in Bangladesh.
