Sheikh Hasina's Next Move: Where Will Ousted Bangladesh PM Seek Refuge?

Sheikh Hasina's recent departure from Dhaka amid violent protests has led to speculation about her next steps. Contrary to reports suggesting that she sought asylum in the UK, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy clarified that she has not requested asylum anywhere.

Joy mentioned, "She has not requested asylum anywhere, so the question of the UK or US not responding yet is not true. My mother was planning to retire after this term anyway. She is done with politics in Bangladesh."

Her daughter, Saima Wazed, who resides in Delhi and is the WHO's Regional Director for South-East Asia, expressed her distress over the situation in Bangladesh, stating, "Heartbroken with the loss of lives in my country that I love. So heartbroken that I cannot see and hug my mother during this difficult time."

The UK has not welcomed her as it often does with prominent figures, with the Home Office stating, "There is no provision for someone to be allowed to travel to the UK to seek asylum or temporary refuge."

As for the US, despite Sheikh Hasina's son being based there, the strained relations between Washington DC and Dhaka reduce the likelihood of her relocating to the US. The State Department had previously slammed the elections in Bangladesh during her tenure, noting that they "were not free or fair."

Currently, Hasina is in India, where she arrived after leaving Dhaka. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar confirmed her arrival on short notice, and the Indian government is giving her time to decide on her future course of action.

However, India faces a diplomatic challenge, balancing its historical ties with Sheikh Hasina and its relationship with the new government in Bangladesh.