The United States has revoked the visa of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, according to reports. This development follows reports that Western countries, including the US, wanted her removed from power.
#BREAKING: United States Government has revoked former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visa to the United States.
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) August 6, 2024
After resigning and fleeing to India amid violent protests in Bangladesh, Hasina is currently at Hindon Airbase in Ghaziabad.
British immigration rules do not permit individuals to travel to the country to seek asylum or temporary refuge, as per reports citing the UK Home Office. This statement comes amid ongoing speculation that ousted Bangladesh leader Sheikh Hasina, currently in Delhi, might fly to London to seek sanctuary.
The UK government, now led by Sir Keir Starmer following Labour’s recent landslide victory, also emphasised that individuals seeking asylum must do so in the first safe country they reach.
“The UK has a proud record of providing protection for those in need. However, there is no provision for someone to travel to the UK specifically to seek asylum or temporary refuge,” said a UK Home Office spokesperson.
“Those requiring international protection should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach, as this is the quickest route to safety,” the spokesperson added.
Nonetheless, sources indicate that a formal asylum request is being processed.
On Monday, the military facilitated Sheikh Hasina’s departure from Dhaka after weeks of growing pressure from anti-government protests against her reservation policies. These protests escalated into violent unrest, resulting in over 440 deaths in recent weeks. Shortly after her resignation, protesters stormed her residence, causing widespread vandalism.
Upon her arrival in India on Monday, Hasina was greeted by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and senior military officials, who assured her of complete security. The Indian Air Force monitored her flight, deploying Rafale fighter jets to ensure her safe passage. The situation in Bangladesh remains volatile, with the military announcing the formation of an interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
On Tuesday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed Parliament that Hasina had reached out to India for safe passage following her sudden resignation. In a suo motu statement in the Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar mentioned that Hasina was granted approval to travel to India on “very short notice.”
“On August 5th, demonstrators gathered in Dhaka despite the curfew. Following a meeting with security establishment leaders, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina seemingly decided to resign,” Jaishankar stated in Parliament. “On very short notice, she sought approval to come to India temporarily. We simultaneously received a flight clearance request from Bangladeshi authorities. She arrived in Delhi yesterday evening,” he added.
