How Rafale jets and NSA Doval ensured Hasina’s security after she fled Bangladesh
File photo of Sheikh Hasina.
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina safely arrived in India on Monday (Aug 5) after fleeing her violence-hit nation.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and top security officials thoroughly coordinated her flight, implementing advanced measures to ensure her secure passage to Hindon Airbase in Ghaziabad.
Sheikh Hasina’s arrival in India
Indian Air Force radars noticed a low-flying aircraft approaching from Bangladesh on Monday noon.
Identified as carrying Sheikh Hasina, air defense personnel permitted the plane to enter Indian airspace. To strengthen security, two Rafale fighter jets from the 101 squadron at Hashimara airbase in West Bengal were deployed, patrolling over Bihar and Jharkhand as told to news agency ANI.
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Coordinated high security efforts
Indian authorities, aware of Hasina's dismissal and possible threats, took all essential safety measures. Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi oversaw the operation, convening a high-level meeting with intelligence chiefs and Lieutenant General Johnson Philip Mathew, the Integrated Defence Staff chief, to review the situation.
High-level meeting: Ajit Doval meets Hasina on her arrival
Around 5:45 PM, Hasina's jet landed at Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval received her upon arrival and held an hour-long meeting to discuss the current crisis in Bangladesh and her immediate plans.
Following the discussion, Doval briefed the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with key ministers, including Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister SJaishankar, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in attendance.
Background of Bangladesh unrest
The unrest started with protests against employment quotas, which escalated into widespread demonstrations demanding Hasina’s ouster. Her resignation followed an aggressive crackdown on these protests.
As news of Hasina's departure spread, the impulsive crowds took to the streets, vandalising public property, including a statue of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Later in a national address, Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman announced the formation of an interim government.
(With inputs from agencies)