Sheikha Hasina’s surprise decision of resigning from the prime ministerial post, quickly fleeing Bangladesh and taking shelter in India for now has not just left leaders and workers of her Awami League party headless but also in fear and anxiety. Hasina’s party colleagues have reportedly reached out to the authorities in India urging to cross into the Indian side through land routes.
A report by Times of India quoted sources as saying as soon as Hasina fled Dhaka, the former establishment in Bangladesh has requested that their functionaries be allowed to enter India.
Interestingly, some of the Awami League functionaries may not be carrying their passport or have a valid visa for India as they are on the run, the report mentioned sources as saying.
Why Awami League members & workers want entry in India?
Since Hasina has resigned and fled from her country, leaders of her political party are making all ends meet to flee at the earliest to escape a possible witch hunt by the protesting anti-Hasina forces in Bangladesh.
Awami League members are worried and threatened by possible attacks on their lives. Also, their houses and other property are also under attack.
It is to recall that India has a history of offering asylum to the leaders of Awami League from the days of unrest during the build up to the 1971 Bangladesh’s war of liberation from Pakistan under the leadership of Hasina’s father and first PM of the country Sheikh Majibur Rahman.
Awami League members want to enter India through land routes
On Monday after the political uncertainty following Hasina’s resignation, movement on the India-Bangladesh border was restricted.
The Border Security Force (BSF) also issued a high alert along the India-Bangladesh border.
Movement of goods through the Petrapole land port on the India-Bangladesh border was suspended, leaving over 250 trucks stranded on the Bangladesh side.
Also, regular flight services to and from Dhaka have also been grounded following the shut down of airports.
The Indian Railways have extended the suspension of Maitree Express and two other passenger trains linking India and Bangladesh.
In such a situation, only land borders with West Bengal and Tripura could be the main escape routes for Awami League workers who are trying to flee Bangladesh.
With inputs from agencies
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After Hasina, her party leaders knocking on India’s doors for safety
