Ousted Bangla PM Sheikh Hasina wants refuge because she fears persecution if sent back to Bangladesh
Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, who arrived in India on Monday evening after escaping from Dhaka, is anticipated to remain in the country for an extended period due to a “technical roadblock” hindering her plans to travel to the United Kingdom, as reported by The Indian Express.
Sources indicate that New Delhi is preparing to accommodate her for an indefinite duration. Hasina’s intention was to visit London, where her niece, Tulip Siddiq, serves as a member of the British Parliament and holds the position of economic secretary to the Treasury, representing Hampstead and Highgate.
The “technical” issue arises from the UK’s immigration regulations, which do not permit individuals to travel to the UK specifically to apply for asylum or temporary refuge. Asylum applications must be made from within the UK. However, Hasina lacks a valid visa, as she no longer possesses a diplomatic or official passport, necessitating a visa for entry into the UK before she can seek asylum. Given her current location outside the UK, she is unable to travel there to initiate the asylum process. Furthermore, each asylum application is evaluated on its own merits on a case-by-case basis.
Hasina is seeking asylum or temporary refuge due to her concerns about political persecution, fearing that she may be summoned for investigations by her political adversaries in the new government in Dhaka. For the time being, her safest option appears to be remaining in India, where she feels secure.
The citizens of Bangladesh are entitled to a comprehensive and autonomous investigation led by the United Nations regarding the recent events of the past few weeks. The United Kingdom is committed to ensuring that Bangladesh achieves a future characterized by peace and democracy. The UK and Bangladesh share profound connections among their peoples and uphold common values within the Commonwealth, as stated on Monday.
There was no indication that the UK is contemplating or has granted asylum to Hasina.
She has maintained communication with the British government, which has reportedly communicated that individuals in need of international protection should seek asylum in the first safe country they encounter, as this represents the most expedient path to safety. In New Delhi, while there is no formal asylum policy, the approach towards Hasina remains clear, despite her current unpopularity in Dhaka. She is regarded as a figure who has contributed to stabilizing the borders between India and Bangladesh by taking action against anti-India terrorist organizations. Her commitment to combating terrorism and religious extremism has established her as a dependable and strategic ally for India. Sources have emphasized that there is no intention of “abandoning” her during this critical period.
Officials highlight the historical context surrounding Sheikh Hasina’s family. Her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, along with seven family members, including her mother and younger brothers, was assassinated in 1975. At that time, Hasina was in Germany, and she managed to escape with her sister, Sheikh Rehana. Subsequently, she sought refuge in India, residing on Pandara Road in Delhi, where the Indian government provided her with shelter, with former President Pranab Mukherjee and his family offering their support.
Plans are currently being formulated to provide her with suitable accommodation, should she decide to remain, ensuring the highest level of security and the absence of any threats. While there are designated “safe houses” maintained by the intelligence community, a decision has yet to be made regarding whether she will be placed in a “safe house” temporarily or in a location within the Capital’s high-security zones that is highly visible to the public. These considerations are part of ongoing deliberations among senior officials in the government, including representatives from the Ministries of External Affairs, Home Affairs, Defence, and intelligence agencies. However, sources have indicated that these discussions remain “fluid” due to the “highly dynamic” nature of the situation.
