Ex-B’desh Minister Arrested at Dhaka Airport While Trying To Flee Country: Reports

Dhaka: Former Information and Technology Minister of Bangladesh Zunaid Ahmed Palak was detained today at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport while attempting to leave the country.

Palak was intercepted by airport officials at the VIP lounge and subsequently taken into custody by Air Force personnel. He was reportedly en route to India, where Hasina had sought refuge on Monday after violent protests breached her residence.

The unrest in Bangladesh has reached unprecedented levels, marking the deadliest day of anti-government protests since they began in early July. What started as protests against civil service quotas later transformed into politically motivated protests calling for PM Hasina’s resignation, marking one of the most severe crises in Hasina’s 15-year tenure.

In recent days, violence has surged, with mobs attacking the offices of Hasina’s Awami League party, setting fire to parliament, and vandalising media outlets. Notably, protesters have also desecrated a statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country’s founding father and Hasina’s father.

Following her departure, Hasina landed at Hindon Air Base near Delhi on Monday evening, aboard a Bangladesh Air Force military plane. Reports suggest she is scheduled to depart for London soon.