Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is encountering significant obstacles in her bid for asylum. After resigning from her position amid widespread protests, Hasina sought refuge in India but faces hurdles in relocating to her preferred destination, Britain.
Hasina’s initial plan was to travel to London for temporary asylum with her sister, Rehana, who holds UK citizenship. However, British immigration rules complicate her efforts. Asylum applications must be submitted from within the UK, and Hasina does not possess a diplomatic visa, which prevents her from entering Britain. Furthermore, Britain’s immigration policy requires applicants to be physically present in the country before their asylum claims can be considered. This makes Hasina’s immediate travel to London unfeasible.
In addition to Britain, Hasina’s options in the United States have also been curtailed. The U.S. has revoked her visa, leaving her with limited choices for relocation. Consequently, Hasina is exploring alternatives, including the United Arab Emirates, Belarus, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Finland. Her family members are currently in Finland, making it a potential destination.
The decision to initially seek asylum in Britain was influenced by several factors. Rehana’s UK citizenship and her daughter Tulip Siddiqi’s position in the Labour Party, which is currently in power, were key considerations. Historical ties also played a role, as Britain had previously offered asylum to Hasina’s father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, following the Bangladesh Liberation War.
Hasina arrived in India on Monday after stepping down from her role as Prime Minister. She was transported to an undisclosed location under strict security. The Indian government was informed of her intention to transit through India on her way to London. Hasina’s resignation followed a surge in protests, initially sparked by job reservation policies but escalating to demands for her removal from office.