ASIATODAY.ID, DHAKA – The wave of revolution in Bangladesh has reached its peak. Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina stepped down and left the country on Monday after unrest hit the country for several weeks.
Hasina fled by military helicopter to India after mobs broke a curfew and stormed her palace in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka following weeks of bloody protests.
The movement that eventually ousted him started with students frustrated by their lack of job prospects and grew to include ordinary Bangladeshis facing increasingly difficult economic conditions.
However, the excitement in the capital came at a heavy price. About 300 people have been killed since protests began in June, and the country’s future remains uncertain as the military-backed interim government steps in.
After a decade and a half in power, Hasina’s legacy is complicated. On the one hand, his government built modern infrastructure and increased development opportunities, especially for the poor. However, he also increasingly cracked down on the press, as well as the opposition, and as time went on, various forms of dissent emerged.
Army General Waker-uz-Zaman announced on Monday that the military had taken over control of the government; parliament was dissolved, and the government was formulating plans for new elections.
“This country is experiencing a revolutionary period,” General Zaman said in a nationally televised address.
“We ask you to have confidence in this country’s military. “Please do not return to the path of violence and please return to the path of peace and non-violence,” he explained, as quoted by Vox, Tuesday, August 6 2024.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the whole of Bangladesh
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.
Violence in Bangladesh
Transitional arrangements were announced by the Bangladesh Chief of Army Staff on 5 August 2024, following the resignation of the Prime Minister. There is widespread violence across Bangladesh, including resulting in deaths. You are advised to shelter in a safe place and follow the advice of local authorities. Communications have been severely disrupted, including mobile and internet services and local media.
There is a nationwide curfew across Bangladesh from 11.59pm (local time) on 19 July 2024. The curfew timings vary across the country and are frequently changed. Follow the advice of local authorities.
There are reports of severe disruptions to flights and access to the vicinity of Dhaka airport.
Due to the current situation in Bangladesh, including the interruption to access to the internet and telephone services, family members of British High Commission staff have been temporarily withdrawn. The British High Commission continues with essential work including assistance to British nationals.
Indonesian citizens are prohibited from visiting Bangladesh
The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia to Bangladesh in Dhaka issued alert status II. The status was updated from the previous alert III due to the riots that have occurred at several points in Bangladesh recently.
“Observing the latest developments in the situation and security conditions in Bangladesh, the Indonesian Embassy in Dhaka has raised the emergency status from Alert III to Alert II,” said the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ call, Tuesday, August 6 2024.
With the current improvement in the status of Bangladesh, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs asks Indonesian citizens who are planning to go to Bangladesh to postpone their departure.
“It is advised to postpone travel to Bangladesh until the situation and security conditions improve,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote.
Meanwhile, Indonesian citizens who are in Bangladesh are asked to increase their vigilance. They are expected to reduce activities outside the home and avoid crowds and demonstration locations.
“Indonesian citizens are also expected to continue to maintain communication and follow the contingency measures set by the Indonesian Embassy in Dhaka,” wrote the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
For emergencies, Indonesian citizens can contact the hotline of the Indonesian Embassy in Dhaka (+880) 1614444552 and the Directorate of Protection of Indonesian Citizens of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (+62) 81290070027. (AT Network)
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