New revelations from an upcoming book, ‘Inshallah Bangladesh: The Story of an Unfinished Revolution,’ shed light on how a crucial phone call from India may have prevented Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from meeting a grim fate during last year’s intense public demonstrations. On August 5, the widespread youth protests in Bangladesh transformed into violent unrest, with aggressive crowds converging on the Prime Minister’s Dhaka residence. At a critical juncture, inside the Ganabhaban, Prime Minister Hasina received a call from a well-known senior Indian official. This communication was instrumental in her swift decision to leave Bangladesh. She is reported to have left by helicopter just twenty minutes before the mob reached her home, eventually departing the country on a cargo flight to India. This timely intervention is emphasized as a key factor in her safety, distinguishing her experience from the tragic end faced by her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The account reveals the intense pressure exerted on Hasina. Even as late as 1:30 PM on the day of the crisis, the top brass of the Bangladesh Army, Air Force, and Navy struggled to convince her to leave, with the book describing her as “adamant.” She even sought to have her sister, Sheikh Rehana, persuade her, and her son, Sajeeb Wajed, located in the US, also implored her to fly to India. Her initial refusal stemmed from a deep-seated pride and a desire to remain in her country. However, a direct communication from an ‘identified’ Indian official ultimately convinced her to prioritize her safety and depart. Her attempt to record a farewell speech was disallowed by service chiefs as the situation escalated. She ultimately sought refuge in India, arriving at Hindon Airbase in Ghaziabad.