The story of Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, is one of strong connections with India. Her journey of asylum in India from 1975 to 1981 is a significant chapter in the history of South Asia.
The Build-Up to the War
In 1971, East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) was fighting for independence from West Pakistan. The people of East Pakistan felt neglected and oppressed by the West Pakistani government. The situation worsened when the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (Sheikh Hasina’s father), won the 1970 general elections but was denied power by the Pakistani military regime. This led to widespread anger and unrest.
The Start of the Conflict
On March 25, 1971, the Pakistani military began a brutal attack called Operation Searchlight to crush the independence movement in East Pakistan. The army targeted students, intellectuals, and political leaders, causing immense violence and chaos.
India, led by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, played a crucial role in supporting the Bengali struggle for independence. Recognizing the humanitarian crisis and political importance, India opened its borders to millions of refugees fleeing the conflict.
The Liberation of Bangladesh
The Bangladesh Liberation War ended with a decisive victory for the Mukti Bahini (Bengali freedom fighters) and the Indian Armed Forces. On December 16, 1971, East Pakistan was liberated, and the new nation of Bangladesh was born. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was released from Pakistani custody and returned to a hero’s welcome in Dhaka.
The Tragic Events of 1975
On August 15, 1975, a coup in Bangladesh led to the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father and President of Bangladesh, along with most of his family. Sheikh Hasina, the eldest daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and her younger sister, Sheikh Rehana, survived the massacre as they were in West Germany at the time.
Sheikh Hasina Asylum in India
After the assassination, Bangladesh plunged into political chaos. The political situation was highly unstable, and the safety of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s surviving family members was a significant concern. Sheikh Hasina and her sister were unable to return to Bangladesh immediately due to the volatile situation. Instead, they sought refuge in India, where they spent the next several years.
Life in Exile
Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana arrived in India, where they were granted asylum by the Indian government. The Indian authorities, recognizing the gravity of the situation and the significance of the surviving members of the Mujib family, provided them with shelter and security.
During their time in India, Sheikh Hasina and her sister received significant support from the Indian government. They were provided with a safe residence and the necessary resources like a job. The Indian government’s support played a crucial role in ensuring their safety and well-being during these challenging times.
While in exile, Sheikh Hasina continued her education. She studied at the University of Delhi, where she pursued her higher studies.
Even while in exile, Sheikh Hasina remained actively involved in the political developments of Bangladesh. She was in constant touch with the leaders of the Bangladesh Awami League, the party founded by her father.
Return to Bangladesh
In 1981, while being in exile, she was elected as the President of the Bangladesh Awami League, marking the beginning of her active political career in her home country. After this, Sheikh Hasina returned to Bangladesh. The political climate in Bangladesh had changed, and there was a growing demand for her leadership.
Years later, in 2024, history repeats itself as Sheikh Hasina looks to India for safety again amid violent protests that forced her out of power.
This situation brings up important questions about what responsibilities countries have to help people in need. India’s response is being watched closely because it’s a key player in South Asian politics. The country has a history of giving refuge, but now it has to balance that with modern international relations and the feelings of its own people.
There’s also talk about Sheikh Hasina possibly staying in India until she can get asylum in the United Kingdom.
What happens with Sheikh Hasina now will be an important moment in South Asian politics. It reminds us how fragile political positions can be. As the world watches, we can only hope that the situation in Bangladesh gets better soon.
