Sheikh Hasina’s Potential Asylum in the UK: A Complex Situation Unfolds

The UK Home Office has clarified that British immigration rules do not permit individuals to travel to the UK solely to seek asylum or temporary refuge. This statement comes amidst ongoing speculation about the future of ousted Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in New Delhi and rumored to be considering a move to London.

Following Labour’s significant victory last month, the UK government, now led by Sir Keir Starmer, has reiterated that asylum seekers must apply for protection “in the first safe country they reach.” A spokesperson for the Home Office stated, “The UK has a proud record of providing protection for people who need it. However, there is no provision for someone to be allowed to travel to the UK to seek asylum or temporary refuge.”

Despite these clear guidelines, there are indications that a formal asylum request for Sheikh Hasina is being considered. The 76-year-old former Prime Minister was compelled to step down on Monday after violent protests over a jobs quota resulted in the deaths of over 300 people. She fled Bangladesh on a military aircraft, reportedly following a 45-minute ultimatum from the Army, and initially landed at an Indian Air Force base in Uttar Pradesh. Upon arrival in India, she was received by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

While it was initially speculated that Sheikh Hasina would proceed to London after refueling in India, there has been no official confirmation of her subsequent travel plans or current whereabouts. Sources suggest she is under the protective custody of Indian intelligence services. Accompanying her is her younger sister, Sheikh Rehana, a UK citizen, which could potentially aid in securing asylum in the UK. Additionally, her niece, Tulip Siddiq, is a British Labour parliamentarian, which may influence the situation.

Sheikh Hasina’s daughter, Saima Wazed, currently resides in Delhi, working as the regional chief for the World Health Organization. However, this position with an international organization may not provide her mother with additional leverage.

According to the Bangladeshi publication Daily Sun, India has reportedly granted Sheikh Hasina “interim stay” permission, during which she will receive comprehensive logistical support. This arrangement is considered temporary, pending possible relocation to the UK.

The situation in Bangladesh has drawn significant attention from Indian leadership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been briefed, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has held discussions with major political party leaders. During these talks, Jaishankar addressed concerns of a “conspiracy” to unseat Hasina’s government, a point raised by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who questioned the involvement of foreign powers, specifically Pakistan, in the recent turmoil.

As Bangladesh navigates this crisis, the formation of an “interim government” seems imminent, with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus potentially playing a key advisory role. The political landscape is further complicated by the release of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who was imprisoned on corruption charges in 2018 and whose release was recently ordered by President Mohammed Shahabuddin. As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, especially if the UK declines Sheikh Hasina’s asylum request, potentially complicating India’s diplomatic stance.