In a clarifying statement, the UK Home Office on Tuesday said the British immigration rules prohibit individuals from traveling to the UK to seek asylum or temporary refuge. This announcement comes amidst ongoing speculation that ousted Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina, currently in Delhi, might head to London to request sanctuary.
The UK government, now led by Sir Keir Starmer following Labour’s decisive election victory last month, emphasized that asylum seekers must apply for protection in the first safe country they reach. Quoting a Home Office spokesperson, the NDTV reported, “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.”
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“Those who need international protection should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach – that is the fastest route to safety.”
Despite this, sources suggest that a formal asylum request for Sheikh Hasina is currently being processed.
Brief background
Sheikh Hasina, 76, resigned as Prime Minister on Monday evening after weeks of protests over a jobs quota resulted in over 300 deaths. She fled Dhaka via a military aircraft, reportedly following a 45-minute ultimatum from the Bangladesh Army, and landed at an IAF base in Uttar Pradesh.
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Sources informed NDTV that upon her arrival in India, Sheikh Hasina was met by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and was expected to continue to London after her plane was refueled. However, there has been no official confirmation of her travel plans or current whereabouts. It is believed she is under the “protective custody” of Indian intelligence services.
Accompanying Hasina is her younger sister, Sheikh Rehana, a UK citizen, which might facilitate an asylum claim. Additionally, her niece, Tulip Siddiq, is a British Labour MP. Hasina’s daughter, Saima Wazed, based in Delhi as the regional chief for the World Health Organization, is unlikely to influence the asylum process given her role with an international agency.
India’s Position and Future Actions
According to Bangladeshi publication Daily Sun, citing unconfirmed sources, India has granted Hasina permission for an “interim stay,” offering comprehensive logistical support. This arrangement is reportedly temporary, pending her relocation to the UK.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been briefed on the situation, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has communicated with leaders of major political parties in Bangladesh. During these discussions, Jaishankar suggested a possible “conspiracy” behind Hasina’s ouster, in response to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s query about potential foreign involvement, specifically from Pakistan.
The developments in Bangladesh pose a diplomatic challenge for India, especially if the UK denies Sheikh Hasina’s asylum request. India is cautious not to appear overly supportive of the ousted leader to avoid straining relations with Bangladesh’s new government, whatever its composition might be.
Bangladesh’s Political Future
A new “interim government,” potentially advised by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, is reportedly being formed in Bangladesh. This follows the release of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who was jailed for corruption, by order of President Mohammed Shahabuddin.
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The political landscape in Bangladesh remains volatile, with key figures including the military, which facilitated Hasina’s departure, and Khaleda Zia emerging as central players in the evolving governance structure.
The unfolding situation continues to attract global attention as Bangladesh navigates this period of significant political upheaval.
