All about flight AJAX1431 carrying Sheikh Hasina after escape from Dhaka

New Delhi,UPDATED: Aug 5, 2024 16:22 IST

In a dramatic turn of events, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina escaped Dhaka after her residence was attacked by protestors.

She and her sister were initially taken to a "safe shelter" away from her residence.

Hasina is currently aboard flight AJAX1431, a Lockheed C-130J Hercules aircraft registered with the Bangladesh Air Force. The aircraft, which took off from Dhaka, is now flying over Jharkhand after crossing Kolkata, according to real-time data from Flightradar24.

The Lockheed C-130J Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft, known for its versatility and reliability. It is widely used for various missions, including tactical airlift, search and rescue, and special operations.

The C-130J is an updated version of the classic C-130 Hercules, featuring new engines, a modern flight deck, and advanced systems, making it a robust choice for critical missions.

Flightradar24 showed the origin of flight AJAX1431 in Bangladesh. The aircraft's current trajectory over Jharkhand indicates it is en route to a destination that has not been officially disclosed yet amid speculations of it landing in New Delhi.

The flight's path and the aircraft's capabilities suggest that it is well-equipped to handle the mission of transporting the former prime minister, who resigned before escaping the capital city.

The Bangladesh Air Force had recently upgraded its fleet of C-130J Super Hercules aircraft by acquiring the aircraft from the UK Ministry of Defence.

Sheikh Hasina's departure from Dhaka comes amid heightened security and political tensions. As flight AJAX1431 continues its journey, all eyes are on the aircraft and its precious cargo.

Bangladesh's army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, said an interim government would take charge. He promised that the military would stand down and launch an investigation into the deadly crackdown on student protesters.