In a dramatic turn of events, the United States has revoked the visa of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina following her chaotic ouster amid violent protests, sources close to the US Department of State revealed. Hasina, who fled Bangladesh on Monday afternoon, is currently in India and was initially expected to proceed to the UK.
However, her travel plans have encountered significant obstacles due to “uncertainties,” making it unlikely for her to leave India in the next couple of days, according to people familiar with the situation. Sheikh Hasina arrived at India’s Hindon airbase with her sister, Sheikh Rehana, on Monday evening, hours after resigning amid massive protests. She has since been moved to an undisclosed, highly secure location.
Originally, Sheikh Hasina intended to travel to London from New Delhi. However, the British government indicated she might not receive legal protection in the UK against any possible investigation. While her sister holds UK citizenship, it is unclear if Sheikh Hasina will accompany her. Additionally, there are no confirmed plans for Hasina to travel to the US, where her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, resides in Virginia.
US Relations and Visa Conflicts
“Visa records are confidential under US law; therefore, we do not discuss the details of individual visa cases,” a spokesperson at the US Embassy in Dhaka told reporters on Tuesday. Visa restrictions have also been imposed on several members of Hasina’s party and officials.
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The US has had strained relations with Sheikh Hasina for years, questioning the fairness of the January elections due to reported voting irregularities and violence. US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for a balanced interim government in Bangladesh to facilitate democratic elections. “PM Hasina’s violent reaction to legitimate protests made her continued rule untenable,” he said.
Washington had recently urged the Bangladeshi government to respect the right to peaceful protest and advised Americans against traveling to Bangladesh due to “civil unrest.” There have been claims of US involvement in Hasina’s ouster after she alleged being offered a hassle-free election in exchange for allowing a foreign airbase in Bangladesh.
Hasina’s Future and Family Perspectives
Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Hasina’s son, indicated that she is unlikely to make a political comeback, expressing her “deep disappointment” over the uprising against her despite her efforts to improve Bangladesh. In a BBC interview, he mentioned that Hasina had been considering resignation since Sunday and left the country under family pressure.
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Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the Rajya Sabha, confirming that Sheikh Hasina requested urgent approval to come to India. “We simultaneously received a request for flight clearance from Bangladeshi authorities. She arrived yesterday evening in Delhi. The situation in Bangladesh is still evolving,” he said.
Jaishankar also briefed Parliament leaders on the developments in Bangladesh, stating that Hasina is in India and that the Indian government aims to give her time to decide her future course of action.
