Questions surrounding the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, amid a mass uprising, continue to draw attention.
In particular, there has been curiosity over which pilots were responsible for her journey from Ganabhaban to Kurmitola Air Base and then to Hindon Air Base in Delhi, India, as well as where they are currently serving.
However, no official investigation report or detailed information has yet been released by the Bangladesh government, the armed forces, or any relevant authority regarding the matter.
Those familiar with the incident said that on the final day of the uprising, when the streets were stained with the blood of thousands of students and citizens, Sheikh Hasina left Bangladesh’s airspace in broad daylight. Questions remain about her state of mind during the tense aerial journey as she reportedly left the country on a military aircraft to avoid public anger.
There is also curiosity about what she told her fellow passengers, crew members, or security personnel while onboard, and where the officials who ensured her safe arrival are currently located. Jugantor attempted to find answers to these questions.
According to military sources, the pilot of the Bangladesh Air Force’s MI-17 helicopter that carried Sheikh Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana from Ganabhaban was Air Commodore Abbas, while Group Captain Raihan Kabir served as co-pilot. The helicopter landed at Kurmitola Air Base at around 3:00 pm.
Sources said that after the departure incident, Air Commodore Abbas was sent to Pakistan to attend a training course. After completing the course, he returned to Bangladesh and resumed his regular duties. He is currently serving as the commanding officer of an Air Headquarters unit at Bangladesh Air Force Headquarters.
Meanwhile, Group Captain Raihan Kabir, the helicopter’s co-pilot, is currently serving as Officer Commanding (Administration) at Bashar Air Base.
A C-130J military transport aircraft had already been kept ready at Kurmitola Air Base with its engines running. Sheikh Hasina later boarded the aircraft and departed for India.
Sources said the pilot of that transport aircraft was Air Commodore Shamim Reza, while Wing Commander Mahfuz served as co-pilot. The aircraft landed at Hindon Air Base, located on the outskirts of Delhi, at around 6:15 pm on August 5.
According to sources, as part of security measures, the aircraft’s transponder was switched off during takeoff. The aircraft reportedly entered Indian airspace through an alternative route instead of the usual flight path. Later, contact was established with Kolkata Air Traffic Control.
Military sources said that after safely delivering Sheikh Hasina to India, the aircraft returned to Dhaka with the crew and security personnel.
Later, Air Commodore Shamim Reza was sent to the Philippines for a long-term military course. Wing Commander Mahfuz, the co-pilot, is currently serving in the Directorate of Intelligence of the Bangladesh Air Force.
