The situation in Bangladesh has escalated significantly following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, leading to widespread speculation about her future plans. As violent protests engulf the country, reports suggest that Sheikh Hasina, the deposed Prime Minister of Bangladesh, is presently in India and considering seeking political asylum in the United Kingdom.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India confirmed that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has had discussions with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy regarding the developments in Bangladesh and the broader region. This conversation has fueled speculation that Hasina might be exploring asylum options in the UK, particularly as she contemplates her next move after her government's ousting.
Amidst these developments, the MEA has refrained from commenting on Hasina's potential plans, and the UK government has also remained tight-lipped. Sources within the UK's Home Office, however, indicated that current immigration rules do not explicitly permit individuals to travel to the UK with the sole purpose of seeking asylum. This has raised questions about the feasibility of Hasina's potential move to the UK.
In the Indian Parliament earlier this week, Jaishankar addressed the situation, noting that Hasina had sought approval to come to India "for the moment." This has left room for speculation about her intentions, with reports suggesting that Hasina might eventually travel to London, where her sister Sheikh Rehana's daughter, Tulip Siddiq, serves as a member of the British Parliament.
The crisis in Bangladesh, triggered by the implementation of a controversial quota system for government jobs, has led to large-scale unrest, with violent protests resulting in over 550 deaths and numerous injuries. The instability has caused widespread looting and rioting, further exacerbating the situation.
India has expressed particular concern about the attacks on Hindu houses and temples in Bangladesh amid the chaos. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that various initiatives have been taken within Bangladesh to protect minority communities, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. He stressed that it is the responsibility of any government to ensure the safety and well-being of all its citizens and expressed hope for a swift restoration of law and order in Bangladesh.
The Indian government is closely monitoring the situation, particularly regarding the safety of the approximately 10,000 Indian nationals currently in Bangladesh. The Indian High Commission in Dhaka, along with consulates in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet, is actively assisting Indian citizens who wish to return to India. The MEA is also in continuous contact with Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety of its diplomatic missions and personnel in the country.
The unfolding situation in Bangladesh has significant implications not only for the country's internal stability but also for the broader South Asian region. With Sheikh Hasina's future uncertain and the country in turmoil, the international community is watching closely to see how events will develop in the coming days.
Â
