‘Roadmap finalised’ for Sheikh Hasina’s return to Bangladesh under full security

A roadmap has reportedly been finalised for the return of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh under full security, following an understanding between influential circles in Bangladesh and India, according to several senior sources with links to Bangladesh’s administrative establishment.

A report published by NorthEast News claimed, citing those sources, that an agreement has been reached on the security arrangements that would be in place for Sheikh Hasina’s return, as well as the status or position she would hold upon returning to Bangladesh.

The sources declined to disclose details of the arrangements. According to them, after months of discussions, the issue of ensuring Sheikh Hasina’s “full security” has now been finalised.

A senior official familiar with the events of 5 August 2024 reportedly questioned how Sheikh Hasina was taken to India.

“She was not taken there by the Indian Air Force or the Indian Army. So, which country’s aircraft took Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India?” the official was quoted as saying.

The report also claimed that India’s High Commissioner, Dinesh Trivedi, recently outlined India’s position on the matter at a seminar in Dhaka focused on Sheikh Hasina.

According to the report, Trivedy said that when Sheikh Hasina travelled to India, she was still the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

It further claimed that Sheikh Hasina was flown to India aboard a Bangladesh Air Force C-130A Hercules aircraft, and that India had provided refuge to Bangladesh’s “Prime Minister” at the time.

Questions over a possible BNP-Awami League understanding

Alongside the question of Sheikh Hasina’s return, a possible political understanding between the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has reportedly emerged as an important issue in diplomatic and military-level discussions, according to diplomatic and military sources cited in the report.

The sources claimed that a view has gained traction at senior levels of the state, particularly among the top military leadership, that long-term and inclusive political stability in Bangladesh would not be possible without a political understanding between the Awami League and the BNP.

As a result, efforts are reportedly under way to reduce tensions between the two parties and create a pathway towards a political settlement before Sheikh Hasina returns to Bangladesh.

The sources also expressed concern that if such an understanding cannot be reached, the risk of direct or indirect military rule in Bangladesh could increase.

Bangladesh Army to provide security for Sheikh Hasina

According to the sources, one issue has already been settled regarding Sheikh Hasina’s return.

That is, the “Bangladesh military” will be responsible for ensuring her full security when she returns to the country.

However, the report said the exact date of Sheikh Hasina’s return has not yet been finalised and remains under discussion.

Trivedi’s unexpected visit to Delhi

Amid these developments, India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, travelled to Delhi on the evening of 5 October without a previously announced schedule, according to the report.

Citing several diplomatic sources from both countries, NorthEast News reported that Trivedi may meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi and may have taken a “special message” from Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Tarique Rahman’s possible visit to India has been under discussion for some time.

However, the sources claimed that diplomatic contacts between the two countries had previously slowed somewhat because of ongoing discussions surrounding Sheikh Hasina’s presence in Delhi.

The report said Dhaka later urged India to help create a “favourable environment”. It was reportedly suggested that Tarique Rahman could visit India if such an environment were established.

This time, however, the report claimed that Tarique Rahman was interested in visiting India without attaching any “conditions” to the trip.

Alleged attempt to remove Army chief reportedly fails

The report also made another claim, citing military sources, that a section of the BNP government had attempted to remove Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman from his position.

According to the sources, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and a section of the government were involved in the alleged effort.

The report said, however, that the attempt was unsuccessful.

Military sources reportedly claimed that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman considers General Waker-Uz-Zaman “comfortable” and trustworthy, while the Army chief retains “full control” over the Bangladesh Army.

The report further suggested that recent public remarks by India’s High Commissioner indicate that India is currently viewing Sheikh Hasina’s return to Bangladesh as part of a structured legal process.

No specific timeframe for her return has been announced.

Source: NorthEast News