Air India and IndiGo have cancelled their scheduled flights to and from Bangladesh capital Dhaka with immediate effect, citing the emerging situation following Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation amid unprecedented anti-government protests.
A Vistara official mentioned that the airline operated its flight from Mumbai on Monday and is closely monitoring the situation for Tuesday’s operations to Dhaka, news agency PTI reported. Air India operates two daily flights from Delhi to Dhaka, while Vistara runs daily flights from Mumbai and three weekly services from Delhi to the Bangladesh capital. IndiGo also operates flights to Dhaka from the national capital, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. However, the number of flights operated by IndiGo could not be immediately confirmed.
Air India issued a statement on Monday informing, “In view of the emerging situation in Bangladesh, we have cancelled the scheduled operation of our flights to and from Dhaka with immediate effect. We are continuously monitoring the situation and are extending support to our passengers with confirmed bookings for travel to and from Dhaka with a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation charges. Safety of our guests and crew remains our foremost priority.”
IMPORTANT UPDATE
In view of the emerging situation in Bangladesh, we have cancelled the scheduled operation of our flights to and from Dhaka with immediate effect. We are continuously monitoring the situation and are extending support to our passengers with confirmed bookings…
— Air India (@airindia) August 5, 2024
IndiGo also released a statement on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “In view of the ongoing situation in Dhaka, all flights scheduled for tomorrow have unfortunately been cancelled. We understand that this may cause significant inconvenience and disruption to your travel plans and we sincerely regret this development.”
Our customer experience team is available round the clock to assist all affected customers. Alternatively, rebook and full refund options are available at https://t.co/NROljxy4Is We appreciate your continued trust and patience, and will keep you updated on further developments.
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) August 5, 2024
Meanwhile, Indian Railways has suspended all train services to Bangladesh, including the Kolkata-Dhaka-Kolkata Maitri Express, from 19th July till 6th August, Doordarshan News reported.
All train services between India and Bangladesh remain suspended
Indian Railways had cancelled all train services including Kolkata-Dhaka-Kolkata Maitri Express train to Bangladesh from 19th July till 6th August: Indian Railways#India #Bangladeshstudentprotest #Maitriexpress pic.twitter.com/V07gEDs93W
— DD News (@DDNewslive) August 5, 2024
Notably, a high alert was implemented at the Bangladesh International Petrapol border in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal.
VIDEO | High alert implemented at Bangladesh International Petrapol border in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal.
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/cGTqN4c4jG
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 5, 2024
The Border Security Force (BSF) also issued high alert along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Karimganj, Assam
VIDEO | Border Security Force (BSF) issues high alert along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Karimganj, Assam in wake of the violent protests and political turmoil in Bangladesh.
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/BIVV9t1bsS
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 5, 2024
Bangladesh Protests: Sheikh Hasina Flees As Country Descends Into Chaos
In Dhaka, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman confirmed that Prime Minister Hasina has resigned and an interim government is set to take over responsibilities. Hasina is likely to flee to London following her arrival in New Delhi on a military aircraft as her home country descends into chaos.
The unrest in Bangladesh has been marked by widespread protests, with over 300 people killed since last month’s protests. Protesters have expressed their anger towards the Hasina government’s controversial quota system, which reserves 30 per cent of jobs for families of veterans who fought in the 1971 liberation war.
As news of Hasina’s departure spread, hundreds of protestors broke into her residence, vandalising and looting the interiors. In a dramatic expression of public anger, some protesters were seen smashing the statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina’s father and Bangladesh’s founder.
General Zaman, in a televised address, stated, “I’m taking all responsibility (of the country). Please cooperate.” He announced that he had met with political leaders, excluding members of Hasina’s Awami League party, to discuss the military’s role in maintaining law and order. He also urged both the army and police to exercise restraint and asked protesters to end the violence, promising justice for all.
