UK Comments on Sheikh Hasina Asylum Reports: "No Provision"

The UK has addressed the recent reports about Sheikh Hasina seeking asylum, stating there is "no provision" for her. This comment aims to clarify the UK's stance and dispel any ongoing rumors or misinformation regarding the asylum situation of the Bangladeshi Prime Minister. The official statement reinforces that there are no current plans or legal allowances for Sheikh Hasina to seek or be granted asylum in the United Kingdom.

Bangladesh crisis update: Mrs. Hasina, aged 76, was compelled to step down from her role as Prime Minister on Monday evening following prolonged protests regarding a jobs quota that resulted in the deaths of over 300 individuals.

British immigration rules do not allow individuals to travel to the UK to seek asylum or temporary refuge, the UK Home Office told NDTV on Tuesday morning. This statement comes amid speculation that ousted Bangladesh leader Sheikh Hasina, now in Delhi, plans to fly to London to claim sanctuary.

The UK government, led by Sir Keir Starmer following Labour's recent landslide victory, reiterated that individuals seeking asylum must do so "in the first safe country they reach."

"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," a UK Home Office spokesperson told NDTV. "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 indicate that a formal asylum request is being processed.

Mrs. Hasina, 76, was forced to resign as Prime Minister on Monday evening after weeks-long protests over a jobs quota killed over 300 people. She fled Dhaka in a military aircraft - reportedly after the Bangladesh Army gave her a 45-minute ultimatum - and flew first to an IAF base in Uttar Pradesh.

Sources told NDTV that Mrs. Hasina - met on arrival in India by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval - was expected to proceed to London after her plane was refueled. However, there has been no confirmation of the former Prime Minister's schedule or location since then.

Sources have indicated she is in "protective custody" of Indian intelligence services.

She is accompanied by her younger sister, Sheikh Rehana, who is a UK citizen, which could be useful in claiming asylum in the UK. Additionally, her niece, Tulip Siddiq, is a British Labour parliamentarian.

Mrs. Hasina's daughter, Saima Wazed, is based in Delhi as the regional chief for the World Health Organization. However, this may not open doors as she works for an international agency.

Indian Government's Position This morning, Bangladeshi publication Daily Sun cited unconfirmed sources saying India has granted permission for an "interim stay," during which Mrs. Hasina will receive comprehensive logistical support. This is reportedly temporary and pending relocation to Britain.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been briefed on the Bangladesh situation, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has spoken to leaders of all major political parties in the country. During the meeting, Mr. Jaishankar mentioned a "conspiracy" to topple Mrs. Hasina's government, in response to a question by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who asked if foreign powers, specifically Pakistan, could be involved in the recent events in Dhaka.

The situation in Bangladesh presents a problem for India, especially if the UK rejects Sheikh Hasina's asylum request. India does not want to be seen as overtly backing the ousted leader, as that may complicate its relationship with the new government in Bangladesh, whatever it may be.

What Next For Bangladesh? A new "interim government," likely advised by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, is believed to be forming in the crisis-hit country. This follows the release from jail of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who was convicted of corruption, by order of President Mohammed Shahabuddin.

Speculation since Mrs. Hasina's resignation has put three key figures at the forefront: the Army, which took charge after Mrs. Hasina quit and possibly gave her a 45-minute ultimatum; her nemesis and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, whose release was ordered by the President; and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who may advise the new interim government.

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Source: NDTV‍