India’s challenges amidst Sheikh Hasina’s travails

August 14, 2024

NEW DELHI – A chapter in Bangladesh’s history has ended. The family which led the fight for freedom from the shackles of Pakistan and headed it for most part of its democratic phase will no longer have any role in its future. Sheikh Hasina’s departure from Dhaka, amidst the rising violence, marks the end of the family’s presence in the country. Images of a protestor urinating on Mujibur Rahman’s statue, and of others displaying the former PM’s undergarments, project the hatred the nation bore towards the family.

Sheikh Hasina flew into India seeking refuge, after the army refused to curb protests by violent means. She had barely 45 minutes to tender her resignation and leave. This is not the first time she has sought refuge in India. In 1975, when her father Mujibur Rahman was assassinated, Sheikh Hasina and her family lived in India. She stayed in New Delhi for six years, a favour she never forgot. She was then the daughter of the PM and happened to be in Germany when her father was assassinated in Dhaka and hence her life was spared. This time she is the PM who was dislodged, a major difference in the two scenarios. Her confidence that India would not disappoint her was valid. She was received by the National Security Advisor and subsequently the External Affairs Minister met her. She is currently lodged in a safe house in New Delhi while she decides where she wishes to go. She no longer possesses a diplomatic passport and therefore would need a visa from the nation she wishes to take refuge in.

India would definitely play a role in her future movement. On her arrival in India, Dr Jaishankar mentioned, “At very short notice, she requested approval to come to India.” He added that the government will