Sheikh Hasina: Amid Bangladesh unrest, a flashback to her Delhi refuge after father’s assassination in 1975

On August 15, 1975, Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, the founder of Bangladesh, was tragically murdered along with 18 members of his family by military officials during a major political riot. This horrific event is a dark chapter in the country’s history.

Fast forward to 2024, just ten days before the 49th anniversary of that brutal massacre, Bangladesh finds itself in another intense political crisis. Sheikh Hasina, daughter of Mujibur Rehman, has once again sought refuge in India.

The moment is a poignant reminder of the crucial support Indira Gandhi’s government gave Hasina during a similar crisis almost five decades ago. Hasina was in Europe at the time of the coup, and her sister delivered the devastating news. India, one of the few countries willing to help, offered her and her family asylum.

Indira Gandhi’s administration granted Hasina political asylum, allowing her to stay at her residence on Pandara Road in New Delhi for the next six years. In a 2022 interview, Hasina revealed that for security reasons, her family members adopted different identities during this period.

After returning from Europe, Indira Gandhi personally met Sheikh Hasina. The Indian government also arranged employment for MA Wazed Miah, Hasina’s husband, to support the family.

Hasina spoke of the hardships her young children faced during her six-year exile. In the 1980s, things began to change. The Awami League declared Hasina its leader in her absence, and in May 1981, she ended her stay in India. She was first elected prime minister of Bangladesh in 1996.

Her political career has been full of ups and downs, including being ousted from power by Begum Khaleda Zia in 2001. However, in January 2024, Hasina made a remarkable comeback, winning the 12th general election and beginning her fourth consecutive term as prime minister of Bangladesh.

Follow the latest developments on the Bangladesh unrest and Sheikh Hasina with our live blog.