Bangladesh News Highlights: Attempting to flee country, two ex-Bangladesh ministers detained at Dhaka airport

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been appointed as head of Bangladesh's interim government, says President's press secretary. (PTI)

Nepal's authorities on Tuesday sent back a Bangladeshi citizen who attempted to cross into the country via the Indian border. The police reported that Uttam Puri, a 46-year-old Bangladeshi national, endeavored to enter Nepal through the Jogbani checkpoint in Biratnagar, located in the eastern part of the country. However, he was turned away and sent back to India.

During a routine security inspection at the border crossing, officials discovered a Bangladeshi identity card in Puri's possession, according to the police.

In light of the recent political turmoil in Bangladesh, Nepal has heightened its vigilance along the shared border with India.

The recent civil unrest in Bangladesh has raised concerns about the safety of foreign nationals, particularly students who are stranded in the affected areas. In response to this situation, Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde has reached out to the ministry of external affairs, urging them to take immediate action to ensure the safety of the students and facilitate their safe return to India.

"The unrest in Bangladesh has raised questions about the safety of foreign nationals, especially students stranded in troubled areas there. Considering all this chief minister Shinde has given priority for the safety of students from Maharashtra studying there," stated an official release by the CMO.

Chief minister Shinde has engaged in discussions with the Ministry of External Affairs, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the need for swift action to protect the students. He has requested that all possible assistance be provided to the affected students in Bangladesh, including relocating them to safer areas within the country if necessary and expediting the process of their safe return to India.

The chief minister's office has made it clear that the safety and well-being of the students from Maharashtra studying in Bangladesh are of utmost importance, and all necessary steps will be taken to ensure their protection and swift return home.

Hassan Mahmud, the former foreign minister of Bangladesh, and Zunaid Ahmed Palak, the ex-state minister, were apprehended on Tuesday at the Dhaka airport as they tried to escape the country. This incident occurred just a day after the resignation and flight of prime minister Sheikh Hasina, following violent demonstrations against her administration. An Airport Aviation Security (AVSEC) official informed the Dhaka Tribune newspaper that Mahmud had gone to the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka to "catch a flight en route to Delhi."

The official confirmed that Mahmud, who had served as the foreign minister in Hasina's ousted government, was detained while attempting to leave Bangladesh.

Reports suggest that Mahmud had previously tried to escape through a land border crossing with India but was denied permission to cross.

Mahmud's arrest took place shortly after Zunaid Ahmed Palak, the former state minister for post, telecommunication, and ICT, was prevented from departing the country by airport officials.

The number of Bangladeshi patients seeking treatment at various hospitals in Kolkata has significantly decreased due to the ongoing unrest in their home country, according to officials on Tuesday. The decline has been steady over the past month as the turmoil escalated into violence.

Peerless Hospital CEO Sudipta Mitra stated, "More than 180 Bangladeshi patients visit our hospital every day. The number has decreased to 84 today. It was 129 on Monday."

Other private hospitals in the city, including Manipal Hospitals, Fortis Healthcare, and Apollo Hospitals, have also experienced a similar reduction in the number of patients from Bangladesh.

Across its three units in Kolkata - Broadway, Dhakuria, and Mukundapur - Manipal Hospitals currently has around 37 Bangladeshi patients admitted, most of whom were admitted earlier this month before the consular services in Dhaka were suspended. A senior official from Manipal Hospitals mentioned that their monthly footfall at the three units is typically around 2,300, but in the last month, it has been only around 1,500. On Tuesday, nine patients were admitted, including one for a kidney transplant. These patients had obtained their visas at least a month ago and had scheduled their appointment dates accordingly.

A delegation consisting of 13 representatives from the anti-discrimination student movement is currently engaged in discussions with the president and the heads of three forces at Bangabhaban, local media reported. The meeting, which commenced on Tuesday evening, is focused on addressing the present circumstances and formulating the framework for the interim government.

Hasina who had initially intended to seek temporary refuge in London along with her sister, Sheikh Rehana. However, this plan has been abandoned following indications from the UK government that she may not receive legal protection against potential investigations into the large-scale violent demonstrations that took place in her country.

According to sources cited by PTI, Hasina is currently exploring alternative options for her temporary residence, which include the United Arab Emirates, Belarus, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Finland.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Bangladesh and its citizens following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amidst widespread protests that resulted in numerous casualties. The IMF spokesperson conveyed their condolences for the lives lost and injuries sustained during the unrest.

In the wake of the prime minister's departure from the country, President Abdul Hamid dissolved the parliament on Tuesday, paving the way for fresh elections. The decision came a day after Prime Minister Hasina stepped down from her position and left Bangladesh in response to the student-led demonstrations that had gripped the nation.

According to Tellimer, an emerging market research firm, long-term lending from international financial institutions such as the IMF, World Bank, and Asia Development Bank constitutes approximately 25% of Bangladesh's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Consequently, their continued support is crucial for the stability and growth of the country's economy.

The World Bank, which had committed a total of $2.85 billion to Bangladesh in the fiscal year ending June 30, stated on Monday that it was still evaluating the impact of the recent events on its lending activities. However, the organization emphasized its ongoing commitment to the development of Bangladesh.

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus expressed his willingness to lead an interim government in Bangladesh on Tuesday. His statement came in the wake of widespread protests that compelled Sheikh Hasina, the country's longtime leader, to leave the nation.

"I am honoured by the trust of the protesters who wish for me to lead the interim government," said Yunus in a written statement to news agency AFP.

President of Bangladesh dissolved the parliament on Tuesday, just a day after the Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, resigned from her position and fled the country.

The Jamaat-e-Islami, established in 1975, is among the most prominent Islamist political parties in Bangladesh. The party has traditionally been aligned with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). However, in 2013, the Jamaat-e-Islami was prohibited from taking part in national elections. Subsequently, the Bangladesh government officially labeled both the Jamaat-e-Islami and its student organization, Chhatra Shibir, as terrorist groups.

According to an Associated Press report, the Jamaat-e-Ismali's constitution was found to be in violation of the national constitution due to its opposition to secularism. Furthermore, the government alleged that the party had provoked violent demonstrations, which led to the loss of over 300 lives and caused injuries to thousands of individuals. These demonstrations were sparked by a contentious quota system for government employment positions.

China is closely following the situation in Bangladesh: China's foreign ministry, on Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) directorate announced several new appointments within the military. Lt Gen Saiful Alam has been assigned to the foreign ministry, while Lt Gen Mujibur Rahman has taken the position of GOC at Army Training and Doctrine Command, Prothom Alo reported.

Former Bangladesh IT minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak detained by authorities at the Dhaka airport. Palak was attempting to flee the country when he was detained, Prothom Alo reported. This comes after Sheikh Hasina resigned as Bangladesh's PM yesterday and fled the country. Hasina who is currently in India, is reportedly seeking asylum in the United Kingdom.

45 Bangladeshi citizens on Tuesday returning from Kolkata were forced to disembark from a bus bound for Dhaka at Petrapole, the land port on the Indian side, due to the suspension of bus services between the two countries amidst the turmoil in Bangladesh. The neighboring nation was plunged into uncertainty following street protests over job quotas, which led to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and departure.

Abani Ghosh, the owner of Shyamali Paribahan, which operates bus services from the Indian side in collaboration with the West Bengal Transport Corporation, stated, "Amid the disruption and curfews, we had been making every effort to run the service whenever possible for the benefit of people of both countries. We had been expecting the services to normalise from today.

"However, as one of our buses, 'Souhardya', reached the border point at Petrapole in Bongaon, we were told the inter-country bus services have been stopped till further notice."

The AC Volvo bus 'Souhardya', a popular choice among tourists from both countries, was fully occupied with 45 passengers on board on Tuesday. Ghosh added that they operate two Volvo buses from the Indian side, while similar buses are also run by the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) in collaboration with a private operator from their end. According to their knowledge, the Dhaka-Kolkata bus service from Bangladesh is also not operational from that day.

All the passengers on 'Souhardya' are Bangladeshi citizens, most of whom had come to Kolkata for medical treatment.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, while addressing the Lok Sabha on Tuesday regarding the current situation in Bangladesh said, "We are in close and continuous touch with the Indian community in Bangladesh through our diplomatic missions." According to him, approximately 19,000 Indian nationals reside in Bangladesh, including around 9,000 students. However, most of the students have already returned to India in July, following the advice of the High Commission.

The EAM further mentioned that apart from the High Commission in Dhaka, India has Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet. He expressed India's expectation that the host government will provide the necessary security protection for these establishments. Dr. Jaishankar concluded by stating, "We look forward to their normal functioning once the situation stabilises."

Speaking in Lok Sabha on the situation in Bangladesh, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, "We are also monitoring the situation with regard to the status of minorities. There are reports of initiatives by various groups and organizations to ensure their protection and well-being. We welcome that and will naturally remain deeply concerned till law and order is visibly restored. Our border guarding forces have also been instructed to be exceptionally alert in view of this complex situation. In the last 24 hours, we have been in regular touch with the authorities in Dhaka. This is the situation as of now. I seek the understanding and support of the House in regard to sensitive issues regarding an important neighbour on which there has always been strong national consensus."

The Bangladesh Police Association, which represents a significant number of law enforcement personnel, released an official statement announcing the strike action: "Until the security of every member of the police is secured, we are declaring a strike," the statement read. The association also expressed regret for the measures taken against demonstrators during the protests.

The EAM also said that India was in constant touch with authorities in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Police Association announced on Tuesday that its members would commence a strike action. This decision came just a day following the successful protests that managed to oust the prime minister, despite the police's use of lethal force in an attempt to suppress the demonstrations.

In a statement released by the association, which represents a significant number of high-ranking police officers, they said, "Until the security of every member of the police is secured, we are declaring a strike." The move highlights the growing concerns within the police force regarding their own safety and well-being in the aftermath of the political upheaval.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar, while addressing the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, said that the Indian government is closely monitoring the situation in Dhaka and engaging in ongoing discussions with the interim government of Bangladesh. This comes a day after Sheikh Hasina stepped down as Prime Minister and sought refuge in India. Jaishankar also mentioned that during the protests on Monday, various minority groups in Dhaka were targeted.

"On 4th August, events took a very serious turn. Attacks on police, including police stations and government installations, intensified even as overall levels of violence greatly escalated. Properties of individuals associated with the regime were torched across the country. What was particularly worrying was that minorities, their businesses and temples also came under attack at multiple locations. The full extent of this is still not clear," Jaishankar said.

Bangladesh's president dissolved parliament on Tuesday, a key demand of student protesters who led demonstrations that ousted longtime ruler Sheikh Hasina, a statement read.
"The president has dissolved parliament," Shiplu Zaman, press secretary of President Mohammed Shahabuddin, said in a statement.

EAM Jaishankar who earlier after the all party meeting expressed hope that there was unanimous support cutting across party lines echoed similar thoughts in the upper house. 'Concern about violence, instability in Bangladesh shared by all across political spectrum,' he said.

"We are in close and continuous touch with the Indian community in Bangladesh through our diplomatic missions. There are an estimated 19,000 Indian nationals there of which about 9000 are students. The bulk of the students returned in July...We are also monitoring the situation with regard to the status of minorities. There are reports of initiatives by various groups and organisations to ensure their protection and well-being. Naturally, we will remain deeply concerned till law and order is restored. Our border guarding forces have been instructed to be exceptionally alert in video of this complex situation. In last 24 hours, we have been in touch with authorities in Dhaka."

Addressing the Rajya Sabha, EAM Jaishankar reiterated his earlier claim that India has been pushing for restraint in Bangladesh

India pushed for peaceful resolution, says EAM Jaishankar in Rajya Sabha on Banglades crisis

Jaishankar informs all-party meeting that India has assured Sheikh Hasina all help, focus on protection of minorities in Bangladesh

In mid-July, 26-year-old Nahid Islam, a sociology student from Dhaka University, became a prominent figure in the protests leading to the resignation of Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after 15 years in power. Initially sparked by opposition to government job quotas, the protests escalated into a broader movement demanding Hasina's removal. The unrest resulted in nearly 300 deaths, predominantly among students.

Islam, who was arrested during the demonstrations, gained national recognition for his leadership. He has been vocal against any military-supported government and has proposed Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus as the chief adviser for an interim government. Born in Dhaka in 1998, Islam, who comes from a family of educators, has pledged to establish a new democratic Bangladesh focused on social justice and the protection of minorities.

Bangladesh's Nobel Laureate Mohamed Yunus has agreed to request of students to be adviser for interim government, according to his spokesperson

The United States on Tuesday recommended its citizens not to travel to Bangladesh, witnessing civil unrest, crime, and terrorism following the resignation and fleeing of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Elevating its travel advisory to the highest 'Level 4: Do Not Travel' category, the US State Department has also recommended the departure of non-emergency US government employees and family members.

Over 100 people have been killed in the violence across Bangladesh as chaos reigned supreme hours after Hasina resigned as prime minister and fled the country on Monday, amid signs of a return to normalcy.

"On August 5, 2024, the Department ordered the departure of non-emergency US government employees and family members. Travellers should not travel to Bangladesh due to ongoing civil unrest in Dhaka," the State Department said in its advisory.

"Violent clashes have occurred in the city of Dhaka, its neighbouring areas, and throughout Bangladesh, and the Bangladesh Army is deployed nationwide. Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport temporarily paused operations on August 5. Travellers should check with their airlines to confirm the status for future flights," the travel advisory said.

Travellers should be aware of petty crimes such as pickpocketing in crowded areas, the advisory said, adding that crimes such as muggings, burglaries, assaults, and illegal drug trafficking constitute the majority of criminal activity in Bangladesh's major cities, but there are no indications foreigners are being targeted because of their nationality. These crimes tend to be situational, based on time and location, it said.

The International Monetary Fund said it was "fully committed to Bangladesh and its people" after protests ousted the prime minister.

The Fund, which approved a $4.7 billion loan programme with the country in January 2023, said it was "deeply saddened by loss of lives and injuries," but would continue to "support efforts to ensure economic stability and deliver inclusive growth".

Bangladesh was awaiting an interim government on Tuesday, a day after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country following student-led protests that left hundreds dead.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday told an all-party meeting that India has assured help to former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who arrived here on Monday evening, and given her time to decide the future course of action.

Briefing political party leaders in Parliament House, Jaishankar said India has spoken to the Bangladesh Army Chief to ensure the safety of over 10,000 Indian students in that country, the sources said.

Replying to questions from various leaders, including Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, the minister did not rule out the role of foreign governments in the unrest in the country but emphasised that the situation was too fluid, and the government has been keeping a watch on the evolving situation, they said.

At the meeting, Gandhi asked if foreign governments might be involved in fuelling the crisis there.

Jaishankar said that households and properties belonging to minorities were targeted by protestors in the neighbouring country.

Noting that it has been not even 24 hours since Hasina arrived in India, he said she is in a state of shock and the government is giving her time to recover before it speaks to her over various issues, including her future plans, the sources said.

Various leaders, including Gandhi, conveyed their full cooperation to the government on the issue.

After addressing an all party meeting with leader, the external affairs minster is set to address the Lok Sabha at 3.30 on Bangladesh.

External affairs minister Jaishankar in the all party meeting expressed hope that there was a "unanimous support" cutting across party lines after he convened an all party meeting to brief about the escalating situation in Bangladesh, which descended into turmoil following massive street protests over job quotas forcing Sheikh Hasina to resign and flee the country.

Hasina arrived in India on Monday evening and, according to media reports, is expected to continue her journey to London. Jaishankar took it to X and sharing the details of the meeting, he said "Briefed an All-Party meeting in Parliament today about the ongoing developments in Bangladesh. Appreciate the unanimous support and understanding that was extended."

Congress MP Manish Tewari urged the central government on Tuesday to facilitate discussion in both Houses of Parliament regarding the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh.
Speaking to reporters in the Parliament premises, Tewari dubbed the situation in Bangladesh as "sensitive."

"It is a serious situation which is worrisome for South Asia and East Asia. I hope that there will be a detailed discussion on this issue in both Houses of Parliament and that the government will play its role in facilitating this discussion," Tewari said.

Tewari earlier gave an adjournment notice asking the house to suspend the zero hour and relevant rules of the day to discuss the matter.

He also urged the central government to inform the house about the steps being taken to address the potential security, economic and diplomatic repercussions of this situation.

Earlier, EAM S Jaishankar chaired an all-party meeting in Delhi to brief about the situation in Bangladesh.

The meeting was attended by Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, JP Nadda, Kiren Rijiju, HD Kumaraswamy, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, opposition MPs KC Venugopal, and Supriya Sule among others.

Jaishankar briefed the leaders on how the issue had panned out in Bangladesh and the prevailing situation in the country. He also spoke about how Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina had moved to India and how India would take care of the Bangladeshi leader, sources from the all-party meeting told ANI.

Recent clashes in Dhaka have resulted in at least 135 fatalities, including 14 police officers, with hundreds more injured, according to local media outlets.

Following her resignation, Sheikh Hasina arrived in India on Monday evening. It is unclear whether she will stay on in Delhi or travel to another location, with some reports suggesting she might proceed to London.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is not on board the C-130 J transport aircraft that took off today from the Hindon air base around 9 AM. The Bangladesh Air Force C-130J transport aircraft is flying with 7 military personnel in it towards its base in Bangladesh: