Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina suddenly resigned from her position as head of the government. Increasing the pressure of protesters, she hurriedly left Dhaka and headed towards New Delhi, the capital of India. Such a development has stirred up the region, especially because the fate of the veteran politician remains unpredictable.
A daily publication soon after Hasina’s escape from Bangladesh stated that she would survive in the United Kingdom. But refuting these claims, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, her son, has pointed out that his mother has not sought shelter anywhere. She has not sought refugee status anywhere, so the assertion that either the UK or the US has not responded yet is untrue.
The Indian government has offered Hasina temporary accommodation, and now New Delhi is in a diplomatic fix. New Delhi does not want to be accused of supporting the ejected leader since a new government in a strategic partner country, Bangladesh, would be formed. However, due to the historical relationship and Hasina’s past asylum in Indira Gandhi’s government, it is difficult for India to turn its back on her easily.
The British home policy states regard extends a clear message that a person cannot visit the country for asylum or temporary shelter. Their spokesman said that anyone must seek asylum in the first country they arrive at on the continent.
As for the United States, Hasina’s son Joy resides there. Nonetheless, the possibility of this character migrating to the US appears negligible. There were disputes between Washington and Dhaka during Hasina’s period because the US raising concerns about the 2023 Bangladeshi elections.
Thus, it may be asserted that the way forward remains complex and ambiguous.
After the Bangladesh drama that Hasina’s departure shows, the world watches more developments with added interest in the country. The fate of the whole country is at stake; now, it is up to the Interim Government and the protesters to decide who will be in control. It remains to be seen what more Hasina will do and the shape of the political score in the region following this eventuality.
