What UK Said about Asylum for Sheikh Hasina; what is India's Stance; what next for Bangladesh?

New Delhi: The UK Home Office announced on Tuesday morning that current immigration rules do not allow individuals to travel to the UK for the purpose of seeking asylum or temporary refuge. This statement arises amidst ongoing speculation regarding Sheikh Hasina, the former leader of Bangladesh, who is currently in Delhi and may attempt to travel to London to seek sanctuary.

The UK government, now under the leadership of Sir Keir Starmer following Labour's significant victory last month, reiterated that individuals wishing to seek asylum must do so "in the first safe country they reach."

"The UK has a strong history of offering protection to those in need. However, there are no provisions that permit individuals to travel to the UK specifically to seek asylum or temporary refuge," a spokesperson for the UK Home Office stated to the media.

"Individuals requiring international protection should apply for asylum in the first safe country they arrive in, as this is the quickest path to safety," the spokesperson continued.

Despite these statements, sources indicate that a formal asylum request for Sheikh Hasina is being processed.

Sheikh Hasina, 76, resigned as Prime Minister on Monday evening following weeks of protests regarding a jobs quota that resulted in the deaths of over 300 individuals. She departed Dhaka in a military aircraft—reportedly after receiving a 45-minute ultimatum from the Bangladesh Army—and initially landed at an Indian Air Force base in Uttar Pradesh.

Sources revealed that upon her arrival in India, she was met by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. There were initial plans for her to proceed to London after her plane was refueled, but there has been no confirmation regarding her schedule or current location since then.

Sister is a UK citizen. niece is a British Labour MP

Sources indicate that she is currently in the "protective custody" of Indian intelligence services. Sheikh Hasina is accompanied by her younger sister, Sheikh Rehana, who is a UK citizen, which may support her asylum claim in the UK. Additionally, her niece, Tulip Siddiq, is a British Labour Member of Parliament, which could also be advantageous.

Sheikh Hasina's daughter, Saima Wazed, is based in Delhi as the regional chief for the World Health Organization. However, this affiliation with an international agency is unlikely to influence her asylum claim.

India has given permission for an interim stay

This morning, Bangladeshi publication Daily Sun cited unconfirmed sources stating that India has granted Sheikh Hasina permission for an "interim stay," during which she will receive comprehensive logistical support. This arrangement is reportedly temporary and pending her potential relocation to Britain.

Jaishankar mentioned a "conspiracy" to topple Hasina's govt

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been briefed on the situation in Bangladesh, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has spoken to leaders of all major political parties in the country. During this meeting, Jaishankar mentioned a "conspiracy" to topple Sheikh Hasina's government in response to a query from Congress MP Rahul Gandhi about the possible involvement of foreign powers, specifically Pakistan, in the recent dramatic developments in Dhaka.

Challenge for India

The unfolding events in Bangladesh pose a challenge for India, particularly if the UK denies Sheikh Hasina's asylum request. India does not wish to be seen as overtly supporting the ousted leader, as this could complicate its relationship with the new government in Bangladesh, whatever form it may take.

New interim government

A new "interim government," likely to be advised by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, is believed to be taking shape in crisis-hit Bangladesh. This follows the release from jail of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, ordered by President Mohammed Shahabuddin. Zia was convicted of corruption in 2018.

Speculation has arisen regarding the key figures in the new government. Two prominent names are the Army, which took charge after Sheikh Hasina's resignation, and Khaleda Zia, who was released from prison. The involvement of these figures indicates significant political shifts in the country's immediate future.