Sheikh Hasina was often described as the ‘Iron Lady’ over the past decade. Few could have imagined that a Prime Minister who had remained in power for 15 years with such authority would flee the country in this manner. In the history of Bangladesh, no one has been forced to leave the country in such a way after losing power.
On Monday, during the “Long March to Dhaka” organized by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Sheikh Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana were compelled to escape. Before this event, there was significant drama on Sunday night and Monday morning.
On Sunday, clashes between Awami League supporters and protesters resulted in nearly 100 deaths nationwide, including several police officers.
That afternoon, several senior leaders and advisers of the Awami League informed Sheikh Hasina that the situation had spiraled out of control. In the face of resistance from protesters, Awami League leaders had retreated from various places. However, Sheikh Hasina was unwilling to accept this and believed that force could still bring the situation under control. Senior security officials advised her that it was no longer manageable.
She then prepared mentally to resign. Sheikh Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, told the BBC that his mother had been considering resignation since Sunday. An unnamed senior military officer told BBC Bangla that only the Special Security Force, the President Guard Regiment, and some senior military officers knew when Sheikh Hasina signed her resignation letter and boarded the helicopter. The entire operation was conducted in great secrecy.
BBC sources in the army confirmed that Sheikh Hasina left Ganabhaban by 11 AM on Monday. From there, she traveled by helicopter to Agartala, Tripura, and then boarded a special Indian Air Force plane to reach Delhi.
BBC Bangla learned from officials that Sheikh Hasina wanted to keep “two options” open. She was prepared to leave the country but also wanted to try to stay in power until the last moment through the use of force.
However, military officials did not want more casualties. On Sunday, ordinary people and protesters had mingled with field-level soldiers and officers of the army. After assessing the situation, senior military officials realized that it was beyond the control of the ruling party. From Monday morning, police and military positions were established far from all roads leading to Ganabhaban. According to senior military sources, this was done to ensure Sheikh Hasina's safe entry into Tejgaon Airport.
Additionally, internet connectivity was cut off nationwide for about an hour and a half at around 9 AM to prevent news of Sheikh Hasina's movements from spreading on social media.
Internet connectivity was restored after Sheikh Hasina boarded the helicopter. According to the Daily Prothom Alo, Sheikh Hasina met with the heads of the three armed forces and the police at Ganabhaban that morning.
Prothom Alo reported that Sheikh Hasina expressed frustration over why the security forces were unable to manage the situation.
“At one point, Sheikh Hasina pointed out the IGP, saying that they (the police) were doing well. The IGP then informed her that given the current situation, it was no longer feasible for the police to maintain a strict stance for much longer,” wrote the Daily Prothom Alo.
By that time, millions of protesters had gathered in the streets. A senior military officer told BBC Bangla that Sheikh Hasina was informed that people could not be held back much longer and that they would head towards Ganabhaban, potentially putting Sheikh Hasina’s life at risk. Sheikh Hasina believed that if the “Long March to Dhaka” could be stopped through the use of force, she would not resign. At the same time, she was prepared to leave the country if she failed. Officials said that arrangements had been made with India regarding her departure.
India had informed that if she could reach Agartala by Bangladeshi helicopter, she would be transported to Delhi from there.
On Monday, Sheikh Hasina was flown to Delhi’s Hindon Airport by an Indian Air Force transport plane.
Sajeeb Wazed Joy told the BBC that his mother did not want to leave the country, but family members were concerned about her safety and insisted she go to a secure location.
The Daily Prothom Alo wrote that on Monday morning, police and military chiefs discussed with Sheikh Hasina’s sister, Sheikh Rehana, to persuade Sheikh Hasina to resign.
“Officials then discussed with Sheikh Rehana in another room, briefing her on the situation and requesting her to convince Sheikh Hasina. Sheikh Rehana then spoke with her elder sister Sheikh Hasina, who remained adamant about holding onto power. At one point, a top official even spoke with Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who was abroad. Joy then talked to his mother, and after that, Sheikh Hasina agreed to resign,” wrote the Daily Prothom Alo.
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