In response to the ongoing unrest and violence in Bangladesh, Air India announced the immediate cancellation of all flights to and from Dhaka on Monday. The airline cited the evolving situation as the reason for the suspension, stating their commitment to ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. Air India is providing support to passengers with confirmed bookings by waiving rescheduling and cancellation fees, as they continue to monitor the situation closely.
The announcement comes on the heels of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s departure from Bangladesh following her ouster. Reports indicate that she arrived at Hindon near Delhi and is expected to travel to London. The situation in Bangladesh has escalated significantly, with protesters engaging in widespread violence, including looting Sheikh Hasina’s official residence and setting fire to the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Museum.
In response to the volatile situation, the Delhi Police has heightened security measures at the Bangladesh High Commission and around the Indira Gandhi International Airport, anticipating a possible arrival of Hasina in the capital. The Border Security Force (BSF) has also issued a high alert across its formations along the India-Bangladesh border, deploying senior commanders to Kolkata to assess the security situation.
The unrest in Bangladesh initially stemmed from student protests demanding the abolishment of a controversial quota system for government jobs. The protests, which began last month, have tragically resulted in the deaths of nearly 250 people.
