The UK Home Office has clarified that British immigration rules do not permit individuals to travel to the UK specifically to seek asylum or temporary refuge. This statement comes amid widespread speculation that ousted Bangladeshi former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, currently in India, may fly to London to claim asylum.
A UK Home Office spokesperson told 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.”
Despite these rules, sources indicate that a formal asylum request for Sheikh Hasina is being processed.
Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign as Prime Minister on Monday following weeks of protests over government job quotas, which resulted in over 300 deaths. She fled Dhaka on a military aircraft and landed at an Indian Air Force base in Uttar Pradesh.
According to Indian media, upon arrival, Hasina met with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Reports suggest that she is currently in the “protective custody” of Indian intelligence services.
Sheikh Hasina is accompanied by her younger sister, Sheikh Rehana, who is a UK citizen. Her niece, Tulip Siddiq, is a British Labour parliamentarian, and her daughter, Saima Wazed, is based in Delhi, serving as the regional chief for the World Health Organization.
Reports also indicate that India is cautious about overtly supporting the ousted leader to avoid complicating its relationship with the new government in Bangladesh.
Sources indicate that Hasina is under the protection of Indian intelligence services and is accompanied by her sister, Sheikh Rehana, who holds UK citizenship, and her niece, Tulip Siddiq, a British Labour MP. This connection could potentially influence her asylum application. Her daughter, Saima Wazed, works as a regional chief for the World Health Organization in Delhi, a position that might not affect asylum processes due to her role with an international agency.
According to the Daily Sun, India has granted Hasina permission for an “interim stay” and will provide her with logistical support during this period. This arrangement is reportedly temporary and pending any further relocation plans.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been briefed on the situation in Bangladesh, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has been in discussions with leaders from major political parties in India regarding the situation.
