The surprise resignation of Sheikh Hasina from the Prime Ministerial post and her subsequent departure from Bangladesh has plunged the Awami League party into a state of fear and uncertainty. Party members, fearing reprisals from anti-Hasina forces, are desperately seeking refuge in India.
Reports indicate that Awami League leaders have approached Indian authorities, requesting entry through land routes. Sources suggest that some party functionaries may lack valid passports or visas, highlighting the urgency and desperation of their situation. The decision to flee stems from concerns over potential attacks on their lives and the safety of their properties.
India has a history of offering asylum to Awami League leaders, particularly during the tumultuous period leading up to Bangladesh’s independence in 1971. With the current political upheaval, the country is once again seen as a sanctuary for those fearing persecution.
Following Hasina’s resignation, the India-Bangladesh border has been placed under heightened security. Movement across the border has been restricted, with the Border Security Force (BSF) issuing a high alert. The Petrapole land port has been closed, leaving hundreds of trucks stranded on the Bangladeshi side. Air travel between the two countries has also been suspended, grounding flights to and from Dhaka. Train services connecting India and Bangladesh have also been suspended, further limiting travel options.
In this volatile environment, the land borders with West Bengal and Tripura offer the most viable escape routes for Awami League members seeking to leave Bangladesh. The situation underscores the deep anxieties and uncertainties surrounding the political landscape in Bangladesh following Hasina’s sudden departure.
