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Sheikh Hasina’s Final Hours in Bangladesh: ‘Shoot Me, Bury Me Here’

May 28, 2025, 5:55 pm

Sheikh Hasina’s final hours in Dhaka were characterized by defiance, chaos, and eventually escape. On August 5, 2024, when violent student-led mobs rocked Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina refused to step down. “Shoot me, bury me here, in Ganabhaban,” she said to army officials. She escaped to India a few hours later, before a crowd assaulted her official residence.

This turn of events was traced out by Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam at a recent hearing at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). The tribunal also considered charges of crimes against humanity during the violence at Chankharpul, Dhaka.

The disturbance broke out over a disputed quota system in government employment. Student demonstrations broke out and spread rapidly. The nation was in chaos by early August. Demonstrators’ confrontations with security forces escalated into violence. More than 500 people were killed, according to reports, before Hasina could escape.

Sheikh Hasina’s Last Stand

Within Ganabhaban, there was tension. On August 4 night, there was a fateful meeting. Senior Cabinet ministers, military personnel, and security chiefs met. Parliament Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Islam says, initiated the first official call for Sheikh Hasina to quit. However, senior Awami League leaders resisted.

Major General (Retd) Tariq Ahmed Siddiq, her defence adviser and cousin, was calling on her to quit. She would not do so. She instructed the army chief to be firm and quash the protests. Her resistance contrasted sharply with the carnage on the streets.

Final Moments Before Escape

Sheikh Hasina’s determination shook the room. “Shoot me, bury me here,” she declared, making her refusal clear and loud. Hours later, she slipped quietly out of the country. She went to India, abandoning her official home behind. Angry mobs soon stormed and destroyed Ganabhaban.

Chief Prosecutor Islam revealed this timeline in a hearing before the ICT. He also laid charges on atrocities committed in Chankharpul, infusing an additional dose of jurisprudence into the political melodrama. His testimony, as reported by Prothom Alo, has left onlookers aghast and raised new questions about accountability.

The tribunal goes on. Bangladesh struggles with the long-term legacy of one of its most frenzied transitions on record.

See Viral Photo: Woman In Dior Suitcase Smiles Amid Sheikh Hasina’s Residence Loot

August 5, 2024, 9:07 pm

As unrest grips Bangladesh, dramatic scenes have unfolded at Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s residence in Dhaka. Following Hasina’s resignation and departure from the country, hundreds of demonstrators stormed her palace, causing extensive damage and taking a wide array of items from the premises. The looters were seen stripping the property of clothing, kitchenware, blankets, and even food items such as fish, chicken, and rabbit.

Amid the chaos, a striking image has gone viral on social media: a woman in a blue suit, grinning broadly, is seen leaving Sheikh Hasina’s residence with a Dior suitcase. The photo captures her standing amidst the tumultuous crowd, clutching her designer bag as if untouched by the surrounding mayhem.

Bruhhh, we have a winner. https://t.co/QxFH6nWH2W pic.twitter.com/0Pu0RpfC5h

— Mikku ? (@effucktivehumor) August 5, 2024

Sheikh Hasina and her sister boarded a military helicopter and fled the country on Monday, fleeing the violent quota protests that have gripped Dhaka. Her aircraft landed at Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, and she is expected to soon travel to London.

In the wake of the turmoil, Bangladesh Army Chief Gen. Waker-uz-Zaman has sought to reassure the public. He has promised that order will be restored and has engaged with opposition politicians and civil society leaders to discuss the formation of an interim government. Gen. Zaman also pledged a thorough investigation into the violent crackdown on student-led protests that fueled the current unrest. “Keep faith in the military; we will investigate all the killings and punish the responsible,” he assured, emphasizing that security forces have been instructed not to fire on crowds.

97 Dead in Bangladesh Clashes; India Issues Advisory for Citizens : Key Points

August 5, 2024, 8:54 am

A new wave of violence has erupted in several cities across Bangladesh, including the capital Dhaka. The clashes involve student protesters, police, and ruling party activists. Protesters are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government, following earlier protests that began over a quota system for government jobs.

On Sunday, violent clashes during student protests over quota reforms in Bangladesh led to the deaths of at least 98 people. According to police and medical sources, the overall death toll has reached around 300, as reported by AFP. The protests began last month after the Bangladesh High Court ruled to reinstate a 30% quota for government jobs for the descendants of freedom fighters. When Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina refused to reverse this decision, the protests grew more intense, resulting in violent confrontations with police and government supporters.

Prothom Alo newspaper reported that 97 people, including 14 police officers, have been killed and hundreds more have been injured.

In light of the current situation, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Bangladesh until further notice. Indian officials have additionally advised their citizens to “remain alert” due to the volatile situation.

For those currently in Bangladesh, the ministry urges them to exercise extreme caution, limit their movements, and stay in touch with the Indian High Commission in Dhaka using the emergency contact numbers: +8801958383679, +8801958383680, and +8801937400591.

The violence started on Sunday morning when protesters from the group Students Against Discrimination, calling for the government’s resignation over the job quota system, were met with opposition from Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League activists.

The government has since imposed an indefinite nationwide curfew starting at 6 pm on Sunday, marking a first since the protests began last month.

To ensure public safety amid the ongoing violent protests, the Bangladesh government announced a three-day general holiday from August 5 to August 7. The house of Bangladesh State Minister for Water Resources Zahid Faruk was vandalized in Barishal, with protesters entering the house, smashing furniture, and attacking the staff. On Saturday, student protesters called for a nationwide civil disobedience campaign until Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government resigns.

In response, Prime Minister Hasina invited protest leaders to meet her at her official residence, Ganabhaban, stating, “I want to sit with the agitating students of the movement and listen to them. I want no conflict,” according to local media.

Bangladesh Bans Jamaat-e-Islami Party Amid Violent Student Protests

August 1, 2024, 5:33 pm

On Thursday, Bangladesh banned the Jamaat-e-Islami party, along with its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir and related groups, labeling them as “militant and terrorist” organizations. This move comes as part of a nationwide crackdown following weeks of violent protests that resulted in over 200 deaths and thousands of injuries.

Crackdown Under Anti-Terrorism Law

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her political allies accused Jamaat-e-Islami of inciting violence during recent student protests about the government job quota system. An official notice from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Home Affairs announced that the ban was enacted under an anti-terrorism law. Since July 15, at least 211 people have died, and over 10,000 have been arrested across the country.

Historical Context and Legal Battles

Jamaat-e-Islami has been banned from participating in national elections since 2014, following the Election Commission’s cancellation of its registration. The party’s participation in elections was first prohibited by the High Court in 2013, which cited the party’s opposition to secularism as conflicting with the national constitution. The Supreme Court upheld this decision in 2023, ending a long legal battle and preventing the party from using its symbols or participating in elections. However, the party had continued to carry out political activities until the recent ban.

Reaction and Historical Background

The party did not immediately respond to the ban. However, on Tuesday night, party chief Shafiqur Rahman condemned the anticipated decision. “We strongly condemn and protest the illegal, unauthorized, and unconstitutional decision … to ban Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami,” Rahman stated. He argued that political decisions should not be made by rival parties or alliances, warning that such actions could lead to chaos and the collapse of state order.

Jamaat-e-Islami, established in 1941, opposed the creation of Bangladesh during the 1971 war of independence from Pakistan. Many of its top leaders have been executed or imprisoned for crimes against humanity committed during the war. The party was previously banned after Bangladesh gained independence but was allowed to resume activities in 1976, following the assassination of Bangladesh’s founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The government’s latest move to ban Jamaat-e-Islami highlights the ongoing tension and conflict within the country’s political landscape.

Bangladesh Imposes Curfew as Protests Kill 105; 400+ Indians Evacuated

July 20, 2024, 12:39 pm

On July 19, 2024, the Bangladesh government, led by Sheikh Hasina, imposed a nationwide curfew and deployed military forces following violent protests over government job quotas. The clashes have resulted in at least 105 deaths and over 1,500 injuries.

The protests, primarily led by students, are against a quota system that they believe unfairly benefits political allies and the families of war heroes from the 1971 independence war. The unrest has intensified, with protesters setting fire to the state broadcaster and attacking a jail in Narsingdi, where hundreds of inmates were freed. The violence has caused shutdowns of metro services, railways, and mobile internet in some areas. Many media outlets have also been disrupted, with some websites and news channels going offline or being hacked.

In response, the government has enforced a curfew and sent in military forces to restore order. Despite these measures, the violence continues, and clashes between protesters and security forces are ongoing.

India has been actively evacuating its nationals due to the unrest. Over 400 Indians have been evacuated from Bangladesh so far, with around 245 crossing through the Gede immigration check post in West Bengal and 202 through the Dawki check post in Meghalaya. Nepalese and Bhutanese nationals have also been evacuated.

13 Nepalese students crossed over along with 245 Indians via a land border crossing in West Bengal on Friday. https://t.co/7VdaAQPhDz

— Rezaul Hasan Laskar (@Rezhasan) July 20, 2024

Schools and universities in Bangladesh are closed, and public gatherings are restricted. The unrest has caused major disruptions in Dhaka and other cities, with the international community closely monitoring the situation.

India Advises Citizens In Bangladesh To Stay Indoors Amid Ongoing Protests

July 19, 2024, 5:21 pm

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has urged Indian citizens in Bangladesh to follow local advisories and stay indoors due to a nationwide strike against the government’s job quota system.

Current Situation in Bangladesh

On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) advised Indians living in Bangladesh to stay indoors and limit their movements. This advice comes in response to ongoing nationwide protests against the Bangladeshi government’s job quota system.

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared this message on social media, emphasizing that the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and assistant high commissions are available to help Indian nationals in Bangladesh through their helpline numbers.

Key Points from the Advisory:

Stay Indoors: The Indian High Commission has advised all Indian citizens and students in Bangladesh to avoid unnecessary travel and stay inside their homes.
Reason for Advisory: The advisory is due to widespread violence and protests across the country. Demonstrations have been intense, with government buildings being set on fire and a nationwide internet blackout imposed by the Sheikh Hasina government.

Details of the Protests

Number of Casualties: At least 39 people have been killed this week, with 32 deaths occurring on Thursday alone.
Injuries: Over 2,500 people have been injured during the protests.
Protest Focus: The demonstrations are centered around the job quota system that reserves more than half of government jobs for specific groups, including children of war veterans from the 1971 liberation war against Pakistan.
Historical Context: In 2018, PM Sheikh Hasina had decided to end this reservation system following protests, but in June of this year, the Bangladesh High Court overturned that decision. The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for August 7 to review the government’s appeal.

Recent Developments:

Student Protests: University students have been protesting in the capital city, Dhaka, demanding changes to the quota system.
Government Response: The police and student wing members of Hasina’s Awami League party have clashed with protesters, using rubber bullets, tear gas, and noise grenades.
Damaged Property: On Thursday, protesters set fire to the state broadcaster’s building after PM Sheikh Hasina appeared on the network to address the protests.

Advice for Indian Citizens in Bangladesh

Follow Local Advisories: The MEA and the Indian High Commission advise Indians in Bangladesh to follow local safety advisories.
Contact for Help: Indian nationals can reach out to the High Commission for assistance through the provided helpline numbers.

Indian authorities are advising citizens and students in Bangladesh to stay indoors due to a violent nationwide strike against the government’s job quota system. The situation has led to significant unrest, with numerous casualties, injuries, and a nationwide internet blackout. Indian nationals can reach out to the Indian High Commission for assistance during this challenging time.

Bangladesh Student Protests: Dozens Dead, Hundreds Injured

July 19, 2024, 12:37 pm

In Bangladesh, student protests have escalated into widespread violence, resulting in torched government buildings and a complete internet shutdown, marking the deadliest day of the ongoing unrest. The clashes this week between students, pro-government supporters, and armed police have ignited widespread anger over civil service job quotas that opponents argue are discriminatory.

Dozens of people have reportedly been killed, and hundreds injured in the violence. Riot police have used tear gas and rubber bullets against protesters, while crowds of demonstrators armed with sticks have filled the streets and university campuses in Dhaka, the capital, and other cities.

State broadcaster Bangladesh Television (BTV) was off the air on Friday after student demonstrators allegedly set fire to its headquarters, according to local media. Protesters have called for a nationwide shutdown, posing a significant challenge to the government of long-standing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

In response to the unrest, mobile and internet services have been cut, schools and universities ordered to close, and security forces deployed to quell the violence. Human rights groups have accused authorities of using unlawful force against protesters.

A police statement issued after a near-total shutdown of the nation’s internet reported that protesters had torched, vandalized, and carried out “destructive activities” on numerous police and government offices. Among the targeted buildings was the Dhaka headquarters of BTV, which remains offline after hundreds of enraged students stormed the premises and set fire to a building.

“About 100 policemen were injured in the clashes yesterday,” Faruk Hossain, a spokesman for the capital’s police force, told AFP. “Around 50 police booths were burnt.”

At least 26 districts across the country reported clashes on Thursday, according to broadcaster Independent Television. The network reported that more than 700 people had been wounded throughout the day, including 104 police officers and 30 journalists.

The near-daily marches this month have called for an end to a quota system that reserves more than half of civil service posts for specific groups, including children of veterans from the country’s 1971 liberation war against Pakistan.

Bangladeshi Students Reject Prime Minister Hasina’s Olive Branch Following Deadly Protests

July 18, 2024, 6:05 pm

Bangladeshi students continued nationwide protests against civil service hiring rules, rejecting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s olive branch, despite her pledge to deliver justice for the nine people killed during the demonstrations.

Hasina’s administration has ordered schools and institutions to close indefinitely, as well as strengthened measures to quell weeks of protests seeking equal access to public sector employment.

On Thursday, riot police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators, and the government ordered the closure of mobile internet networks to put an end to the rallies.

Hasina condemned the “murder” of protesters in a televised national address and pledged that those responsible, regardless of political affiliation, would be punished.

However, Students Against Discrimination, the major group organizing this month’s marches, criticized her statements as dishonest and urged supporters to persevere.

Fresh clashes erupted across multiple cities in Bangladesh as riot police confronted protesters, who initiated new road blockades throughout the day. In Dhaka, police injured dozens of students with rubber bullets and tear gas as they dispersed a crowd of over 1,000 gathered at the country’s leading private university.

Bangladesh PM Cuts China Trip Short Amid Unmet Expectations

July 17, 2024, 1:45 pm

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh returned home early from her trip to China, cutting short what was her fifth visit to the country as PM. Initially scheduled to leave Beijing on Thursday, July 11, Hasina departed on Wednesday night. This abrupt change in plans has sparked speculation that she did not achieve the desired outcomes from her visit.

During her trip, Hasina met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang on July 10. The two nations signed 21 agreements, including the renewal of three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). These agreements elevated their relationship from a “strategic partnership” to a “comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership,” according to the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).

Signed Agreements and Economic Aid

The bilateral talks between Hasina and Chinese leaders focused on various issues, including the Rohingya crisis, trade, investment, and regional matters. Among the signed agreements were those concerning trade, infrastructure development, and the export of agricultural products from Bangladesh. China committed to providing economic grants, interest-free loans, concessional loans, and commercial loans to Bangladesh.

Despite these agreements, Bangladesh was reportedly disappointed with the level of financial assistance. While China announced economic aid of 1 billion yuan ($137 million), Dhaka had hoped for more substantial support, expecting a $5 billion loan package, as per the Economic Times.

Discontent and Early Departure

Sources suggest that Hasina’s early return was influenced by dissatisfaction with the outcomes of her visit. She expected more extensive talks with President Xi but had only brief interactions, with Premier Li serving as the main interlocutor. Additionally, the lack of an official meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and limited media coverage of her visit contributed to her decision to return early.

According to reports, Hasina cited her daughter’s health as the reason for her early departure, but insiders believe the unmet expectations and perceived lack of appropriate protocol played a significant role.

Bangladesh-China Relations

Bangladesh’s relationship with China has been characterized by significant economic and defense cooperation. China has been Bangladesh’s largest trading partner for 13 years, with investments reaching $3.2 billion last year. The two countries have collaborated on numerous infrastructure projects, including railways, highways, bridges, and power stations. Bangladesh joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2016, and defense ties have also grown, with China supplying military equipment to Bangladesh.

Despite this cooperation, the balancing act between China and India remains challenging for Bangladesh. The country has historical and cultural ties with India and has tried to maintain a neutral stance amidst rising geopolitical tensions in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.

Future Prospects and Challenges

The evolving geopolitical landscape presents complex issues for Bangladesh, including regional security, water rights, and economic integration. While economic cooperation with China has brought development benefits, it has also raised concerns about debt dependency and strategic vulnerability. As Bangladesh navigates these challenges, maintaining balanced relations with both China and India will be increasingly difficult.

The early conclusion of Hasina’s visit to China highlights the delicate nature of international diplomacy and the significant expectations placed on bilateral engagements. As Bangladesh continues to develop its strategic partnerships, the outcomes of such high-level visits will remain crucial to its foreign policy and economic development.

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina’s Two-Day State Visit To India

June 20, 2024, 7:27 pm

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced in a press release that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh will undertake a State Visit to India on 21-22 June 2024, following an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This visit marks the initial bilateral State Visit since the formation of the Indian government subsequent to the 18th Lok Sabha elections.

“During the visit, apart from holding bilateral consultations with the Prime Minister, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to call on President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar,” the release added.

EAM S Jaishankar is set to meet with the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was among the global leaders present at the inauguration of the Prime Minister and the Union Council of Ministers on June 9.

Over time, India and Bangladesh have developed a diverse relationship, characterized by a common history, culture, and geographical closeness. The two nations share cordial relations, which have flourished further under the leadership of PM Modi and Sheikh Hasina.

In 2023, there was a surge in bilateral activities, showcasing the strength of this relationship. Both Prime Ministers jointly inaugurated the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline on 18th March in a virtual ceremony.

Additionally, PM Hasina participated remotely in the Inaugural Session of the Voice of the Global South Summit on 11th January 2023 and the second Virtual Voice of the Global South Summit on 17th November 2023.

During India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, Bangladesh, as a Guest Country, actively participated in various tracks at the Ministerial level. This involvement included the attendance of AK Abdul Momen, the former Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, at the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in March 2023 and the G-20 Development Ministers Meeting in June 2023.

Additionally, both Prime Ministers jointly inaugurated three development projects in Bangladesh on 1 November 2023, facilitated by Indian assistance. These projects encompass the Akhaura-Agartala cross-border rail link, the Khulna-Mongla Port rail line, and Unit II of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant, as reported by the MEA.

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Arrives In India Ahead Of Modi’s Swearing-In Ceremony

June 8, 2024, 3:22 pm

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived in New Delhi on Saturday in anticipation of Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony tomorrow. Modi is set to take the oath of office for a historic third term as Prime Minister, following the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) victory in the recent Lok Sabha elections under his leadership.

Bangladesh PM Sheikha Hasina arrives in New Delhi to attend oath-taking ceremony of PM-Designate Narendra Modi. pic.twitter.com/aEreHD1s2h

— ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2024

Hasina departed from Dhaka on a special flight at approximately 11 am on Saturday and is scheduled to stay in the national capital until the afternoon of June 9. She is expected to return home on June 10. Previously, Hasina extended her greetings to the Indian PM-Designate, to which Modi responded by highlighting the historic and growing relations between India and Bangladesh over the past decade. “I look forward to working together to further strengthen our people-centric partnership,” he said.

As per Shaban Mahmood, Press Minister to the Bangladeshi High Commission, both leaders are anticipated to convene for a significant meeting during the sidelines of the swearing-in ceremony. “Our PM Sheikh Hasina is coming tomorrow to take part in the oath ceremony program the day after tomorrow. PM Narendra Modi has invited our PM and she has accepted the invite. There should be an important meeting between the two leaders although there is no other scheduled programme,” Mahmood told the news agency ANI.