“India’s Cabinet Committee on Security Meets Amidst Crisis in Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina Resigns, Military to Form Caretaker Government”

New Delhi, 6th August 2024 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened an urgent meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security this evening at his official residence to address the escalating crisis in neighboring Bangladesh. The meeting was called in response to the recent upheaval in Bangladesh, where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned amid widespread protests over job quotas.

General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the Chief of the Bangladesh Army, announced on state television that Sheikh Hasina, aged 76, has stepped down from her position. The army has vowed to establish a caretaker government to oversee the transition. The decision comes as massive demonstrations have rocked the country, demanding reforms and better employment opportunities.

In attendance at the security meeting were Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The discussions focused on the implications of the unrest for regional stability and potential responses by India.

Separately, Prime Minister Modi received a detailed briefing on the situation from Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has also engaged with Jaishankar to understand the broader impacts of the crisis.

**Sheikh Hasina: A Brief Biography**

Sheikh Hasina, born Sheikh Hasina Wazed on September 28, 1947, in Tungipara, East Bengal (now Bangladesh), is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding leader of Bangladesh. She pursued her education at the University of Dhaka, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Arts.

Hasina’s political journey began in the 1960s, influenced by her father’s political activism. After the assassination of her father and family members in 1975, Hasina lived in exile for several years. She returned to Bangladesh in 1981 and took leadership of the Awami League, a major political party.

Hasina led the Awami League to victory in the 1996 general elections, serving as Prime Minister for the first time. Her tenure saw significant progress in economic development and infrastructure. She lost the 2001 elections but regained power in 2008 and has been a dominant force in Bangladeshi politics ever since. Her subsequent terms as Prime Minister have been marked by efforts to modernize the economy, tackle poverty, and improve health and education.

Her leadership has faced criticism for alleged authoritarian tendencies, human rights abuses, and the suppression of political opposition. Despite this, she remains a central figure in Bangladeshi politics, widely recognized for her role in shaping the country’s recent history.

Sheikh Hasina is married to Dr. Wazed Miah, a prominent scientist, and they have two children, Sajeeb Wazed Joy and Saima Wazed Hossain. She is considered a pivotal figure in Bangladesh’s political landscape, with a legacy intertwined with both significant achievements and considerable controversy.

**India-Bangladesh Political Relations**

India and Bangladesh share a complex but generally cooperative relationship. The two countries have collaborated extensively on various fronts, including trade, security, and cultural exchange. India played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 and has since maintained a strong partnership with Dhaka.

Key areas of cooperation include economic ties, with India being one of Bangladesh’s largest trading partners and sources of investment. The two nations have worked together on infrastructure projects, such as the construction of roads and rail links, and have engaged in collaborative efforts to address issues like border management and water resource sharing.

However, the relationship has not been without challenges. Disputes over river water sharing, border tensions, and concerns about migration have occasionally strained relations. Despite these issues, the bilateral dialogue remains robust, with both countries committed to resolving differences through diplomatic channels.

The current political turmoil in Bangladesh could impact regional dynamics and India’s strategic interests. As the situation evolves, India will likely continue to monitor developments closely and seek to support stability in the region while navigating its complex relationship with its neighbor.