Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's plan to seek refuge in London has been put on hold due to the UK's hesitation to provide legal protection. Hasina, who resigned on Monday amidst widespread protests, arrived in India and is currently in Delhi under tight security.
The UK's decision is based on its immigration rules, which do not allow for asylum claims from outside the country. Hasina had planned to travel to London, where her sister Sheikh Rehana's daughter, Tulip Siddiq, is a Labour Party member of the British Parliament. However, the UK government indicated that she may not receive legal protection against potential probes into the violent protests in Bangladesh.
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The UK government had called for a UN-led investigation into the violent protests that erupted in Bangladesh, which led to Hasina’s resignation.
Hasina is now exploring alternative destinations, including the UAE, Belarus, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Finland, where she has family ties. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Tuesday confirmed Hasina's arrival and stated that she had requested permission to enter India at short notice.
The situation remains dynamic, with no clear indication of Hasina's next steps. Her resignation followed massive protests in Bangladesh, which began as an agitation against a job quota system but evolved into a mass movement demanding her ouster. Hasina's 15-year rule was marked by controversy, including a disputed parliamentary election in January that was boycotted by opposition parties.
As Hasina decides on her next move, the international community watches closely. The UK's stance has significant implications for her future, and the potential for asylum claims in other countries remains uncertain.
China 'closely' following the developments
Amid tensions in Bangladesh, the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday said that it is "closely" following the developments.
"As a friendly neighbour and comprehensive strategic cooperative partner of Bangladesh, China sincerely hopes that social stability will be restored soon in the country," the ministry said.
Hasina visited Beijing In July for bilateral discussions. During their meeting, Xi said the two countries have elevated their ties to a "comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, which in Chinese diplomatic jargon represents an elevated recognition and importance Beijing attaches to its interests and its closeness with that particular country."