What Are Sheikh Hasina’s Next Steps? Exploring the Bangladesh PM’s Options After Leaving Dhaka
After departing Dhaka, there were speculations that Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, might pursue asylum in the UK. However, with an unclear response from London, the Awami League leader is exploring other options. Sheikh Hasina resigned as Bangladesh’s PM and escaped the capital just two days ago, amid widespread protests calling for her resignation. She has since arrived near Delhi, fueling speculation about her next destination.
Initially, reports claimed the 76-year-old leader intended to seek asylum in the UK. But with the UK hesitating, it’s believed she’s exploring other possibilities.
What Her Son Said:
In a recent interview with NDTV, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of Sheikh Hasina, dismissed rumors that his mother is seeking asylum in the UK. He stated, “She has not requested asylum anywhere, so it’s inaccurate to suggest that the UK or US have not responded. My mother planned to retire after this term; she is done with politics in Bangladesh.
Her Daughter's Reaction:
Sheikh Hasina’s daughter, Saima Wazed, who serves as WHO’s Regional Director for South-East Asia and lives in Delhi, shared her thoughts on Twitter. She expressed heartbreak over the turmoil in Bangladesh and mentioned not being able to see or hug her mother during this difficult time. She remains dedicated to her role at WHO, focusing on health for all.
What About the UK?
Sheikh Hasina’s sister, Sheikh Rehana, is a UK citizen, and her niece, Tulip Siddiq, is a Labour Party politician in the Keir Starmer government. Given the UK’s history of providing refuge to South Asian leaders, like former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, some speculated that Sheikh Hasina might head to the UK. However, the UK Home Office stated that their immigration rules don’t allow individuals to travel there to seek asylum or temporary refuge. Asylum must be sought in the first safe country a person reaches.
Is the US an Option?
Sheikh Hasina’s son Joy lives in the US, but it’s unlikely she’ll move there due to strained relations between Washington DC and Dhaka during her tenure. The US had previously criticized the fairness of Bangladesh’s elections and expressed concerns over political arrests. Although there were rumors that the US canceled Sheikh Hasina’s visa, there hasn’t been any official confirmation.
After Sheikh Hasina left Bangladesh, the US voiced support for the people of Bangladesh and emphasized that any transition should comply with the country’s laws.
What About India?
Currently, Sheikh Hasina is in India after arriving on Monday. India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, mentioned that Sheikh Hasina sought permission to come to India on short notice. The Indian government, according to reports, has given her time to decide her next move. New Delhi is facing a diplomatic challenge, as overtly supporting the ousted leader could strain its relationship with the new government in Bangladesh, a crucial strategic partner. However, India’s long-standing ties with Sheikh Hasina, who was given refuge by India after her family was assassinated in 1975, make this a difficult decision.
