(Image source from: AP)
The UK government, now led by Sir Keir Starmer after Labour's recent election victory, has made it clear that British immigration rules do not allow individuals to travel to the country solely to seek asylum or temporary refuge. A spokesperson for the UK Home Office emphasized that those in need of international protection should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach, as this is the quickest path to safety. Despite this, reports suggest that a formal asylum request is currently being processed for ousted Bangladesh leader Sheikh Hasina, who was forced to resign as Prime Minister on Monday after weeks of protests over a jobs quota that claimed over 300 lives. Hasina, 76, reportedly fled the capital Dhaka in a military aircraft after receiving a 45-minute ultimatum from the Bangladesh Army, first landing at an Indian Air Force base in Uttar Pradesh before the potential next step of traveling to London to seek sanctuary.
Last night, unnamed insiders shared that Prime Minister Hasina, welcomed in India by the National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, would continue her journey to London after her plane had been refueled. However, no official confirmation has since been provided regarding the former Prime Minister's schedule or whereabouts. The sources have stated that she is currently under the "protective custody" of India's intelligence services. Accompanying her is her younger sister, Sheikh Rehana, a UK citizen, which may help Hasina's bid for asylum in Britain. Additionally, her niece, Tulip Siddiq, is a member of the British Parliament for the Labour Party. Hasina's daughter, Saima Wazed, is based in Delhi as the regional chief for the World Health Organization, but this is unlikely to grant her any special privileges, as she works for an international agency. This morning, the Bangladeshi newspaper Daily Sun cited unverified sources claiming that India has granted Hasina an "interim stay," during which she will receive comprehensive logistical support. This arrangement is reportedly temporary, with her eventual relocation to the UK being the ultimate goal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been informed about the situation in Bangladesh, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has communicated with leaders of all major political parties in the country. During the meeting, Mr. Jaishankar mentioned a "conspiracy" to overthrow Mrs. Hasina's government. This was in response to a question by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who inquired about the potential involvement of foreign powers, particularly Pakistan, in the dramatic events unfolding in Dhaka over the past few weeks. The developments in Bangladesh pose a challenge for India, especially if the UK denies Sheikh Hasina's request for asylum. India also does not want to be perceived as overtly supporting the ousted leader, as that may complicate the country's relationship with the new government in Bangladesh, whatever its nature may be. It is believed that a new "interim government" - likely to be advised by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus - is taking shape in the crisis-stricken nation. This follows the release from jail - ordered by President Mohammed Shahabuddin - of former PM Khaleda Zia, who was convicted of corruption.
After Mrs Hasina stepped down, a new leader emerged, possibly issuing a 45-minute ultimatum. This leader was the former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who had been imprisoned in 2018 due to corruption allegations, but was recently ordered to be released by the President.
