How Delhi is preparing for Hasina's likely extended India stays
Sheikh Hasina, the deposed Prime Minister of Bangladesh, may have to prolong her stay in India due to the United Kingdom rejecting her asylum request, reports said. Initially, Hasina's visit to India was planned as a brief stopover before seeking asylum in the UK. However, with this plan encountering a "technical roadblock," it is anticipated that she will remain in India for an extended duration.
Hasina's arrival in India
Hasina fled Dhaka and arrived in India two days ago following violent anti-government protests in Bangladesh. Her sister Rehana, who also escaped from Dhaka, is a UK citizen and her daughter Tulip Siddiq is a member of the British Parliament, making Britain their first choice for seeking asylum. However, UK immigration rules do not allow someone to travel to the country specifically to seek asylum or temporary refuge.
UK's stance on granting asylum to Hasina
The British Foreign Secretary David Lammy made no mention of granting asylum to Hasina, clarifying the country's stance on the matter. With her visa to the United States reportedly revoked, Hasina will have to evaluate other options for seeking asylum. In the meantime, India is preparing to host Hasina for an extended period. While India does not have an official asylum policy, it has been a trusted ally of Hasina.
India's preparations for Hasina's extended stay
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is closely monitoring the situation and regularly updating Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Upon landing at Hindon Airbase, Ghaziabad, Hasina was moved to a "safe house" nearby. Plans are underway to relocate her to more spacious and secure accommodation. High-level discussions involving top officials from various ministries are ongoing regarding her relocation and security arrangements. A source told The Indian Express that Delhi is ready to host Hasina again, referring to it as her "second home."
Hasina's previous stay in India during a crisis
This is not the first time that Hasina has turned to India during a crisis. In 1975, following the assassination of her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and other family members, she and Rehana sought refuge in India, where they lived in exile for six years. During her previous stay, Hasina lived a low-profile life in Delhi, working for All India Radio's Bangla service to pass time.
