Two days ago, Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, resigned and fled Dhaka amid violent protests demanding her removal. She landed near Delhi, and speculation about her next destination has been rampant. Initially, there were reports suggesting that the 76-year-old leader might seek asylum in the UK. However, with the UK hesitating, Hasina is exploring other options.
In an interview, Sheikh Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, clarified that the reports of his mother seeking asylum in the UK are inaccurate. He stated, “She has not requested asylum anywhere, so the question of the UK or US not responding yet is not true. My mother was planning to retire after this term anyway. She is done with politics in Bangladesh.”
Hasina’s daughter, Saima Wazed, who is the WHO’s Regional Director for South-East Asia and resides in Delhi, expressed her distress over the situation through a Twitter post. She mentioned being heartbroken by the loss of life in Bangladesh and lamented not being able to see or hug her mother during this difficult time.
The UK, where Sheikh Hasina’s sister Sheikh Rehana and her daughter Tulip Siddiq reside, was initially considered a potential destination for asylum. However, the UK Home Office has stated that British immigration rules do not permit individuals to travel to the UK to seek asylum or temporary refuge. Asylum seekers must apply in the first safe country they reach, according to the Home Office.
The United States, where Sheikh Hasina’s son is based, seems an unlikely option due to strained relations between Washington DC and Dhaka during her tenure. Earlier this year, the US State Department had expressed concerns about the Bangladeshi elections and reported irregularities. While there have been rumours about the US cancelling Sheikh Hasina’s visa, there is no official confirmation as visa records are confidential. The US has also expressed support for the people of Bangladesh and welcomed the announcement of an interim government, urging a transition in accordance with Bangladeshi laws.
Sheikh Hasina has been in India since her arrival on Monday. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that Hasina sought approval to enter India on very short notice. The Indian government has reportedly given her time to decide her next steps while she recovers from the shock of recent events.
India faces a diplomatic challenge, as it wants to avoid overtly supporting the ousted leader, which could complicate its relationship with the new Bangladeshi administration. However, considering the historical context—when the Indira Gandhi government offered refuge to Sheikh Hasina and her family during the 1975 unrest—it is a delicate situation for India to navigate.