The detention of the former Foreign Minister of Bangladesh (Mohammed Hasan Mahmud) at Dhaka International Airport

Former Foreign Minister Mohammed Hasan Mahmud was detained at Dhaka International Airport while attempting to leave Bangladesh amid a wave of unrest.

Mohammed Hasan Mahmud, Sheikh Hasina — Mohammed Hasan Mahmud and Sheikh Hasina(Photo: @TamjidulH24v2 / X)

Earlier, former Information Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak was also detained at the same airport. The former head of the police investigation department, Harun al-Rashid, denied reports of his detention at the airport, stating that he was at home. Reports to the Bengali portal Daily Observer.

Hasan Mahmud was banned from leaving the country and taken into custody by airport staff, accompanied by two assistants. Dhaka International Airport had been temporarily suspended on August 5 and reopened after the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her sister left their official residence in Dhaka and moved to a safer location amid the unrest. Reports indicate that Hasina resigned and flew to Agartala, India, and is seeking asylum in the UK.

Muhammad Hasan Mahmud has been arrested by the Bangladesh Army from HSIA while trying to escape the country on a flight.
He is the second high profile minister to be arrested today.
A controversial Bangladesh Police DIG was also taken in to custody by the Army earlier today. pic.twitter.com/2MsZbbOGkd
— Tamjidul Hoque🇧🇩 (@TamjidulH24v2) August 6, 2024

Protests and demonstrations erupted in Dhaka and across Bangladesh following the announcement of a multi-day “non-cooperation action” by the Student Movement Against Discrimination organization. The situation escalated into riots due to clashes between anti-government students, police, and government supporters.

Storming of Hasina’s Palace: Thousands of protesters stormed Sheikh Hasina’s palace after she left Bangladesh.