Sheikh Hasina, the prime minister of Bangladesh who was overthrown amid violent riots, has been residing in a safe place close to Delhi for more than a day. Hasina is expected to remain in India for the next 48 hours, sources say, as it is unclear where she would apply for asylum.
Sheikh Hasina touched down at the Hindon airbase near Delhi on Monday evening. Her 15-year rule came to an abrupt end due to violent protests and extensive rioting over the contentious quota system. According to early reports, she might apply for asylum in the UK because Sheikh Rehana, her sister, is a citizen of the UK.
However, British government sources have indicated that Sheikh Hasina won’t be given asylum, citing “there is no provision within our Immigration Rules for someone to be allowed to travel to the UK to seek asylum or temporary refuge”.
Also, the UK government says “those who need international protection should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach – that is the fastest route to safety”.
Sheikh Hasina might go to New Delhi, a place the embattled leader of the Awami League is familiar with, if this rule is to be followed.
After her family was massacred in 1975, including her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Sheikh Hasina fled to India with her spouse, kids, and sister. She spent six years, from 1975 to 1981, living under a false identity on Pandara Road in Delhi.
But this time, things aren’t quite the same. Following her father’s murder, Hasina and her family were well-liked in Dhaka when she sought refuge in Delhi in 1975. Bangladeshis had a strong sense of loyalty to the family of their founding father, who had liberated them from Pakistan.
Sheikh Hasina is the target of protesters this time. She has been called a despot who suppressed free expression and used force to suppress her opponents and demonstrators.
When Sheikh Hasina decided to depart Dhaka and take a plane to India, no one was surprised. Despite being mocked at home, Hasina has received backing from the Indian governments, particularly the current Narendra Modi administration, for her secular credentials and pro-India stance. Additionally, Hasina has controlled the Islamist groups and shown consideration for India’s security concerns.
If the UK formally denies Sheikh Hasina’s request for asylum, India could be wise to reconsider providing her with refuge. According to some accounts, Hasina’s son lives in the US, and the US may have also revoked her visa.
Before thinking about Sheikh Hasina staying in the nation for a longer period of time, New Delhi will need to take a number of factors into account.
Firstly, it would suggest that India is endorsing one side in the dispute involving Bangladesh. Due of New Delhi’s close proximity to Hasina, there is a strong anti-Indian feeling on the streets of Dhaka.
In light of this, the Centre will need to walk a fine line in order to facilitate negotiations with Bangladesh’s incoming government and to underline that India’s relationships are with its people, not with any one leader in particular.
Supporting Sheikh Hasina may possibly lead to unrest near India’s eastern border. Bangladesh and India have a 4,096-kilometer border, and because of the upheaval in Bangladesh, security in the region has been increased.
The Islamist groups in Bangladesh, who have played a shadow role in the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, may project India as a meddler if New Delhi continues giving shelter to the Awami League leader.
The student branch of Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, Islami Chhatra Shibir, was the focal point of demonstrations against a contentious government employment quota scheme. Over the past two years, several Islami Chhatra Shibir cadres have reportedly been accepted to Bangladeshi institutions, from where they have allegedly inspired the demonstrations against the Hasina government.
Jamaat-e-Islami has also been charged with inflaming anti-India sentiment in the nation. During PM Modi’s visit to Bangladesh in 2021, there were significant demonstrations throughout the country. These demonstrations were led by Hefazat-e-Islam, a front organisation of Jamaat, and were allegedly supported and funded by Pakistan.
Sources claim that Hasina is exploring her options for refuge and that she may leave India within the next 48 hours to travel to Europe.
Additionally, according to sources, India will plan Hasina’s next trip and the country of asylum she will apply for.
Following the unrest in Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina “requested approval to come to India for the moment” on very short notice, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.
At an all-party meeting, Jaishankar also stated that the government wanted to allow Hasina some space and time to decide on her next course of action.
