Bangladesh Protests: Air India Cancels Dhaka Flights
After the nationwide protest against the reservation quota system hit Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign from her post today. The Awami League chief reportedly fled to India amid protesters storming the national capital.
Given the prevailing situation, Air India has issued a statement announcing that the airline has cancelled the scheduled operation of our flights to and from Dhaka with immediate effect.
Read Also: Army Has Taken Over And Interim Govt To Be Formed: Bangladesh Army Chief
“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. For more information, please call our 24/7 Contact Centre at 011-69329333 / 011-69329999,” Air India said in a statement.
Following the Prime Minister’s resignation, Army Chief Waker Uz Zaman addressed the country confirming that Sheikh Hasina has resigned and the Army has taken over the machinery. “Interim Government is to be formed now,” the army chief said.
Read Also: Sheikh Hasina Lands At Hindon Airbase, Expected To Leave For London
After a short respite, the protest boiled the country again, claiming the lives of nearly 100 people in the clashes with police and the supporters of the government. However, despite the imposing an indefinite country-wide curfew, protesters called for a march to Dhaka, leading to the resignation of the Prime Minister.
The death toll jumped as the protesters clashed with supporters of the ruling party today, fueling the fire in the ongoing demonstration against the government. After the resignation of Sheikh Hasina, video showed protesters barging into her house and creating chaos. Protestors have also vandalised the residence of Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan in Dhanmondi.
