Sheikh Hasina Seeks Refuge in India Amidst Political Turmoil in Bangladesh

"Sheikh Hasina Seeks Refuge in India Amidst Political Turmoil in Bangladesh"

The turmoil in Bangladesh began with massive protests against a controversial quota system that reserved 30% of government jobs for the families of 1971 liberation war veterans. These protests led to significant violence, resulting in over 100 fatalities​ (NewsX). The unrest reached a critical point, leading to Hasina’s resignation and the subsequent takeover by the Bangladesh Army, headed by General Waqar-uz-Zaman, who announced the formation of an interim government​ (Jago News).

Sheikh Hasina took refuge in India last Monday after resigning from the post of Prime Minister and fleeing the country. According to Indian media, Sheikh Hasina's stay in India is temporary. She did not seek political asylum in the country. Instead, she plans to seek political asylum in the UK.

But three days after leaving Bangladesh, nothing is known about Sheikh Hasina's political asylum or final destination. Among these, only the Indian government has said that the ousted Prime Minister of Bangladesh has been kept in a 'safe haven' in Delhi.

Meanwhile, Indian Express reported on Wednesday that Sheikh Hasina wants to go to London. Her niece Tulip Siddique lives there. Tulip is a Member of Parliament for the ruling Labor Party in the UK, serving as City Minister in the government.

According to Indian Express, Sheikh Hasina has a 'strategic obstacle' in getting political asylum in the UK. And that is around UK immigration law.

Under UK immigration law, there is no provision to allow someone to travel to the UK for asylum or temporary asylum. Even from outside the UK, no one can seek political asylum in the country.

In that case you have to stay there after going to UK with visa. After that anyone can apply for political asylum.

Here lies the problem with Sheikh Hasina. She does not have a valid UK visa. Even now she does not have any diplomatic or official passport. Therefore, to seek political asylum, Sheikh Hasina will have to stay in the country after getting a passport-visa. Only then she can seek asylum.

According to a source in Delhi, the Indian Express says that as long as the political asylum-related complications are not resolved, the Indian government plans to keep Sheikh Hasina in Delhi. This is the situation after talks between Delhi, London and Hasina in the last 24 hours.

A spokesperson for the UK Home Office told the Indian media outlet NDTV on Tuesday, "The UK has a proud record of providing protection to people who need it." However, there is no provision to allow anyone to travel to the UK for asylum or temporary asylum.'

The spokesperson also said, 'Those who need international protection should first seek asylum in the safe country they reach. It is the fastest way to protection.'

From the words of this spokesperson of the Ministry of Home Affairs of the United Kingdom, it is understood that Sheikh Hasina may have to stay in India for the time being.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Hasina has no plans to go anywhere else from India, said her son Sajib Wazed Joy. She said this in an exclusive interview given to Deutsche Welle.

Sajib Wazed Joy said, "Sheikh Hasina is fine, now she is in Delhi." My sister is with him. My sister lives in Delhi. She is fine, but she is very upset.'

The political crisis in Bangladesh has significant implications for the region. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been proposed to lead the interim government, aiming to stabilize the situation and pave the way for new elections​ (India Today). India's involvement and the heightened security measures underscore the importance of regional stability and the potential impact of Bangladesh’s internal conflicts on neighboring countries​ (India Today).