Will Sheikh Hasina stay in Delhi or seek asylum in UAE or Finland? Son Sajeeb Wazed Joy says...
7 Aug 2024, 05:29 PM
by M.k.karikalsozhan Blog reporter
In a recent twist in South Asian politics, Sheikh Hasina, the ousted leader of Bangladesh, did not seek asylum anywhere, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy revealed in an interview. Hasina reached India after resigning as Bangladesh's prime minister on Monday. Reports suggest she is exploring options for asylum after unsuccessful talks with the United Kingdom.
### Son Sajeeb Wazed Joy Clears the Air
Sajeeb Wazed Joy, based in the United States, dismissed rumours about his mother seeking asylum. Speaking to NDTV on Tuesday, Joy said, "The reports about her requesting asylum are incorrect. She has not requested asylum anywhere. So the question of the UK or the US not responding yet is not true." Joy reiterated his stance while speaking to Deutsche Welle (DW) on Wednesday, stating, "These are all rumours. She has not made a decision on that yet. She is going to stay in Delhi for a little while."
Hasina fled to India following her resignation amidst unprecedented anti-government protests in Bangladesh. She landed at the Hindon airbase near Delhi, marking a significant moment in South Asian political history. India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, informed Parliament on Monday, “Our understanding is that after a meeting with leaders of security establishments, PM Sheikh Hasina apparently made the decision to resign. At very short notice, she requested approval to come for the moment to India. She arrived yesterday evening in Delhi."
### Asylum Speculations: UK, UAE, and Finland
After her arrival in India, reports emerged suggesting Hasina had sought asylum in the UK. However, a UK Home Office spokesperson clarified to NDTV, “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. Those who need international protection should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach - that is the fastest route to safety.”
The Hindu reported on Wednesday that Hasina is discussing options with other countries, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, apart from those where her immediate family resides: the US, the UK, Finland, and India. The uncertainty surrounding her next move keeps the political landscape in Bangladesh and the region on edge.
### The Catalyst: Nationwide Protests in Bangladesh
Bangladesh has been witnessing nationwide protests since June over a special job quota bill that allowed reservations for families of veterans who fought in the 1971 liberation war. The protests turned violent last month, leading to a crisis that culminated in Hasina's resignation.
### Transition of Power
In the wake of Hasina's departure, Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved Parliament on Tuesday and appointed Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus as the head of an interim government. This transition aims to stabilise the country amidst the ongoing unrest and chart a path forward.
### The Road Ahead
As Sheikh Hasina remains in Delhi, her future remains uncertain. Will she seek asylum in the UAE or Finland, or will she find refuge elsewhere? Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, has firmly stated that she has not requested asylum anywhere, adding to the speculation.
### Conclusion
The political scenario in Bangladesh continues to evolve rapidly. With Sheikh Hasina in Delhi and exploring asylum options, the region watches closely.
The rumours and reports have been addressed by her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, clarifying that no decision has been made yet. The coming days will be crucial in determining the next steps for the former prime minister and the future of Bangladesh.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as we continue to monitor the situation closely.
