Uncertain Future For Sheikh Hasina After Dhaka Exit: Asylum Speculations And Diplomatic Complexities

Sheikh Hasina, the recently resigned Prime Minister of Bangladesh, fled Dhaka amid violent protests and has landed near Delhi. Her sudden departure has sparked speculation about her next destination. Reports initially suggested that the 76-year-old leader might seek asylum in the UK. However, with London showing hesitation, Hasina is exploring other options.

In a recent interview, Sheikh Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, refuted claims that his mother has sought asylum in the UK. He clarified, “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.” This statement suggests that Hasina may be considering retirement rather than continuing her political career.

Sheikh Hasina’s daughter, Saima Wazed, who serves as the WHO’s Regional Director for South-East Asia, resides in Delhi. Despite the proximity, a recent Twitter post from Wazed indicated that she has not been able to meet her mother following the escape. She expressed her heartbreak over the situation in Bangladesh and her commitment to her role at the WHO, highlighting the personal and professional strains caused by the political turmoil.

The UK, where Sheikh Hasina’s sister Sheikh Rehana and her niece Tulip Siddiq reside, was initially seen as a potential refuge. However, the UK Home Office has made it clear that its immigration rules do not permit individuals to travel to the UK specifically to seek asylum or temporary refuge. The Home Office emphasized that asylum seekers must apply in the first safe country they reach, which complicates Hasina’s potential relocation to the UK.

The United States also appears to be an unlikely destination for Hasina. Despite being based in the US, Joy’s mother may face challenges due to the strained relations between Washington and Dhaka during her tenure. The US State Department had criticized the Bangladeshi elections earlier this year, expressing concerns over political arrests and electoral irregularities. While some reports suggest that the US might have canceled Hasina’s visa, there has been no official confirmation, and visa records remain confidential.

Currently, Sheikh Hasina is in India, having arrived there earlier this week. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that Hasina sought approval to enter India on short notice.

The Indian government is reportedly giving her time to recover and decide her next move before discussing further actions. This situation presents a diplomatic challenge for India, which must balance its historical ties with Hasina against the need to maintain a stable relationship with the new Bangladeshi government. India had previously offered refuge to Hasina and her family during the 1975 unrest in Bangladesh, making the current situation particularly delicate.

In summary, Sheikh Hasina’s immediate future remains uncertain, with her potential destinations being shaped by complex international and diplomatic factors. Her next move will likely be influenced by the evolving political landscape and the responses from various countries.