Bangladesh Unrest: IndiGo And Air India Halt Flights To Dhaka

IndiGo and Air India have cancelled their flights from India to Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, due to the ongoing unrest in the neighboring country. IndiGo has also cancelled its return flight from Dhaka to India scheduled for Tuesday, although all flights operated on Monday. Air India announced the immediate cancellation of its flights to Dhaka, stating on social platform X, “In view of the emerging situation in Bangladesh, we have cancelled the scheduled operation of our flights to and from Dhaka with immediate effect.”

Air India tweets, "In view of the emerging situation in Bangladesh, we have cancelled the scheduled operation of our flights to and from Dhaka with immediate effect. We are continuously monitoring the situation and are extending support to our passengers with confirmed bookings… pic.twitter.com/WKGquoDmfH

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2024

Also Read: Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Expected To Land In Delhi At 5 PM Amid Political Turmoil: Reports

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Flees Bangladesh

Bangladesh has plunged into a severe political crisis following the resignation and departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The 76-year-old leader is currently in India, having landed at Ghaziabad’s Hindon Air Base in a C-130 transport aircraft. The aircraft’s movement was closely monitored by the Indian Air Force and security agencies from its entry into Indian airspace to its arrival at Hindon airbase.

Protests and Violence in Dhaka

Hasina was forced to step down after month-long protests intensified, with protesters storming her residence in Dhaka and setting fire to several key locations, including the Bangabandhu Bhaban (Bangabandhu Memorial Museum) at Dhanmondi 32, according to the Dhaka Tribune.

Interim Government Formation

In response to the escalating violence, Bangladesh Army chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman announced the formation of an interim government and urged protesters to cease the violence. The protests, which began peacefully last month, were initially driven by students demanding an end to a quota system for government jobs that they claimed favored individuals connected to the prime minister’s Awami League party. However, the demonstrations quickly escalated into a significant challenge to Hasina and her party’s rule.

Also Read: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Resigns Amid Clashes, Protests, Flees Dhaka: Sources