Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been forced to resign amid violent protests demanding her resignation.

Two days earlier, Sheikh Hasina had resigned as Bangladesh’s prime minister, fleeing the capital Dhaka for Delhi amid violent protests calling for her removal. Since then there has been speculation as to where he is headed. Soon after her escape from Dhaka, some reports claimed that the 76-year-old leader planned to seek asylum in Britain. But reluctantly in London, Awami League leaders, it is learned, are considering other options.

What did Sheikh Hasina’s son say?

In an interview given to NDTV, Sheikh Hasina’s son and Awami League leader Sajib Wazeed Joy said that the reports of his mother seeking political asylum in the UK are false. “She has not applied for asylum anywhere, so the question of UK or US not responding yet is not correct. My mother was planning to retire after this period anyway. In Bangladesh she has done with politics.”

Sheikh Hasina’s daughter Saima Wazd is the WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia and lives in Delhi. But a Twitter post he put up shows that he did not meet Sheikh Hasina after fleeing Dhaka. “Heartbroken by the loss of life in my country that I love. So heartbroken that I can’t see and hug my mother in this difficult time. I as RD @WHOSEARO@WHO#HealthForAll#OneWHO But committed to my role,” he posted. x

What has Britain said?

Sheikh Hasina’s sister Sheikh Rihanna is a British citizen, and Rihanna’s daughter Tulip Siddiq is a Labor Party politician and minister in Keir Starmer’s government. In addition, the UK has a record of sheltering several prominent figures from the subcontinent, including former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Soon after she fled Dhaka, several reports predicted that she was heading to the UK.

But Britain’s Home Office told NDTV that British immigration laws do not allow people to enter the country to seek asylum or temporary asylum. A spokesman also said that those seeking asylum should do so “first in a safe country”.

The Home Office said “the UK has a proud record of providing protection to people who need it. However, there is no provision to allow someone to travel to the UK to seek asylum or temporary asylum. “

Is America an option?

Sheikh Hasina’s son Joy lives in the US, but is unlikely to move there after relations between Washington DC and Dhaka soured during her tenure. Indeed, earlier this year, when the Awami League won Bangladesh’s elections, the US State Department said, “The United States is troubled by reports of election day irregularities and the arrests of thousands of members of the political opposition. Shares the view with other observers that these elections were not free or fair and we regret that not all parties participated.”

While some reports said that the United States had revoked Sheikh Hasina’s visa after she resigned as prime minister, there has been no official confirmation and officials have said that visa records are confidential.

Earlier, after Sheikh Hasina fled the country, the US said it stands with the people of Bangladesh. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller decried reports of human rights abuses, deaths and injuries during the violent protests against the Awami League government, saying, “We welcome the interim government’s announcement and in accordance with the laws of Bangladesh. Appealing for any transfer.” .

What about India?

Sheikh Hasina has been in India since she landed here on Monday. Addressing the Parliament on the situation in Bangladesh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that Sheikh Hasina had sought permission to come to India at very short notice.

According to reports, the government has told the all-party meeting that they have given time to the veteran politician to decide his next move. Sources said that Sheikh Hasina is in a state of shock and the government is giving her time to recover before discussing these issues.

New Delhi is also facing a diplomatic dilemma here. He does not want to be seen as openly backing the ousted leader as it could complicate his relationship with the new regime in Bangladesh. Also, the history of Sheikh Hasina’s relationship with India has to be kept in mind. Long before he became prime minister, Indira Gandhi’s government granted him asylum after his entire family, including father Mujibur Rahman, was killed during the 1975 riots in Bangladesh. So, considering his parity with Delhi, it will not be an easy decision to drop him at this point either.

Protests in Bangladesh against Sheikh Hasina in India



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