Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s departure to India on 5 August 2024 was not a sudden decision but part of a pre-planned process, according to information revealed through audio recordings, mobile phone call records, and recent investigations.

The findings suggest preparations for a transfer of power and departure from Bangladesh had begun as early as 4 August, with a series of key communications taking place among military, civilian, and family members before and after she left the country.

According to information aired by a private television channel, an audio conversation between Sheikh Hasina and then Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on 4 August indicates discussions about meeting the President, preparing to resign, and requesting 24 hours from the Army Chief to manage the situation.

Call records reportedly show that on the night of 4 August, Sheikh Hasina communicated with the then Principal Secretary and senior military officials. Beginning early on 5 August, she also spoke by phone with former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, former Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud, businessman Salman F Rahman, and several others.

Moments before leaving Bangladesh, she reportedly spoke with a senior military officer and her daughter Saima Wazed. After arriving in India, investigators say she also made calls to three Indian phone numbers.

Technology expert and prosecutor at the International Crimes Tribunal, Tanvir Hasan Zoha, said several phone numbers had been in regular contact with India since 3 August. He added that the absence of certain important call records from investigators was “mysterious.”

Authorities are now preparing to examine the role of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC) over the missing call data.

The investigation further claims that Sheikh Hasina was first transported from Agargaon to Kurmitola Air Base aboard an Air Force helicopter using the call sign “Leopard 103.” A C-130J Hercules aircraft had reportedly been kept ready at the airbase.

The aircraft is said to have received taxi clearance and take-off permission within just two minutes before departing. According to the report, the Bangladesh Air Force’s Special Flying Unit (SFU) classified the flight as a “training mission.”

The report also alleges that shortly after take-off, the aircraft’s transponder was switched off to make it more difficult to track. It reportedly avoided its regular route and entered Indian airspace through the Satkhira border.

Commenting on the matter, Colonel (Retd.) Abdul Haque, president of the Retired Armed Forces Officers Welfare Association (RAOWA), questioned how a serving prime minister was flown abroad on a state aircraft without clearance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomatic authorization, or the required protocol.

He said the matter should be thoroughly investigated and those responsible should be held accountable.

Note: The allegations cited in this report are based on claims from a private television investigation and statements by individuals involved. The information has not been independently verified, and those named have not publicly responded to the allegations in the material provided.