Sheikh Hasina’s Sudden Departure
Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has recently stepped down amid intense political unrest. Following weeks of violent protests demanding her resignation, Hasina fled the capital Dhaka and arrived near Delhi. Since her departure, there has been widespread speculation about her next steps, including potential asylum options in various countries.
Misconceptions About the UK Asylum Claim
Initial reports suggested that Sheikh Hasina might seek asylum in the UK. However, these claims have been refuted by her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy. In an interview with NDTV, Joy clarified that Hasina had not requested asylum anywhere. “She has not requested asylum anywhere, so the question of the UK or US not responding is not true,” he stated. Joy further emphasized that his mother had planned to retire after her term and was ready to move on from politics in Bangladesh.
Hasina’s daughter, Saima Wazed, who is the Regional Director for South-East Asia at WHO and resides in Delhi, has expressed her distress over the situation. In a tweet, Saima conveyed her heartbreak over the inability to see her mother during this turbulent time, indicating that she has not yet met Hasina since her departure.
The UK’s Stance on Asylum
The UK was initially considered a potential refuge for Hasina due to her sister, Sheikh Rehana, being a UK citizen, and Rehana’s daughter, Tulip Siddiq, being a Labour Party politician. The UK has historically provided refuge to prominent figures from the subcontinent, such as former Pakistani leaders Pervez Musharraf and Nawaz Sharif.
However, the UK Home Office has since clarified that British immigration rules do not allow individuals to travel to the UK specifically to seek asylum or temporary refuge. According to a Home Office spokesperson, “Individuals seeking asylum must do so in the first safe country they reach.” This means that even if Hasina had intentions of seeking asylum in the UK, the current regulations would not facilitate such a process.
The US and Its Constraints
Another potential refuge for Sheikh Hasina could have been the US, where her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy resides. However, the chances of her moving to the US appear slim. Relations between Washington and Dhaka had strained during Hasina’s tenure, particularly after the controversial 2024 elections, which the US State Department criticized for irregularities and political repression.
Reports have surfaced suggesting that the US might have cancelled Hasina’s visa following her resignation, but there has been no official confirmation. The US State Department had previously expressed concern about the political situation in Bangladesh and supported a transition in accordance with Bangladeshi laws. While the US stands with the people of Bangladesh, its diplomatic stance complicates Hasina’s prospects of finding refuge there.
India: Current Situation and Diplomatic Dilemma
Since arriving in India, Sheikh Hasina has been under scrutiny regarding her next steps. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that Hasina sought approval to enter India on short notice. The Indian government has reportedly allowed Hasina time to recover and decide on her future course of action before engaging in any discussions about her status.
India faces a diplomatic tightrope in this situation. While New Delhi aims to avoid overtly supporting the ousted leader to maintain a positive relationship with the new Bangladeshi government, it must also consider the historical context of Hasina’s relationship with India. During the 1975 unrest in Bangladesh, the Indira Gandhi government had provided refuge to Hasina and her family following the assassination of her father, Mujibur Rahman. This historical bond adds complexity to the decision of how to handle Hasina’s current predicament.
The Indian government is cautious about appearing to favor Hasina too strongly, as this could potentially strain its relations with Bangladesh’s new leadership. At the same time, India’s historical ties with Hasina and her past support for India complicate any decisions made regarding her status.
Awaiting Hasina’s Next Move
As Sheikh Hasina navigates this challenging period, her next steps remain uncertain. The options of seeking asylum in the UK or the US have been constrained by each country’s policies and diplomatic considerations. Meanwhile, India, where Hasina currently resides, is carefully balancing its historical relationship with the former Prime Minister and its strategic interests with Bangladesh’s new government. The coming days will be crucial in determining Sheikh Hasina’s future and how her departure will impact regional politics.
(With inputs from agencies)
