On August 5, 2024, Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, arrived in India after being forced to resign amid a severe political crisis in her homeland. She landed at Ghaziabad’s Hindon Airport in a C-130 transport aircraft, accompanied by her sister, Sheikh Rehana. Hasina’s visit to India is reportedly a temporary stop before she heads to the United Kingdom, where she has sought political asylum.
Understanding Political Asylum
Political asylum is a form of international protection granted to individuals in foreign countries who have fled their own country due to a well-founded fear of persecution. This protection is typically offered to those who face threats to their safety because of their political beliefs, membership in a particular social group, or other factors. Once granted asylum, the individual is safe from deportation to their home country and can live legally in the host country.
In 2023, the UK processed approximately 112,000 asylum claims, according to The Guardian.
Sheikh Hasina’s Situation
Sheikh Hasina’s departure from Bangladesh comes in the wake of intense student protests against her government, which have resulted in over 280 deaths since they began in July. The protests, sparked by dissatisfaction with the job quota system, have severely destabilized the country. As tensions escalated, Hasina’s official residence was stormed by protesters, prompting her urgent departure.
Hasina’s arrival in India involved a brief stop in Delhi, where she met with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval at the Hindon Air Force base. The Indian authorities granted her a safe passage into their airspace amid the escalating crisis in Bangladesh.
The Move to London
Hasina’s final destination is expected to be London, where she has requested asylum. Her sister, Sheikh Rehana, already holds UK citizenship. The UK has historically been a refuge for political figures and activists from various countries, including Bangladesh. Previous asylum seekers from Bangladesh include Tarique Rahman, the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who has been living in London since 2018.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed concern over the violence in Bangladesh and emphasized the need for swift action to restore democracy and peace. The British government has been vocal about ensuring a resolution to the political turmoil in Bangladesh.
Public Reaction and Historical Context
In the UK, particularly in areas with significant Bangladeshi communities, there have been mixed reactions to Hasina’s departure. Some individuals have celebrated her ouster, viewing it as a step towards reclaiming democratic rights and freedoms.
Hasina’s situation echoes the experience of other political figures who have sought refuge in the UK. For instance, Nawaz Sharif, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, spent several years in London after being convicted of corruption in 2019. Sharif’s return to Pakistan in 2023 was marked by significant political developments, with speculations about military involvement in his return.
Sheikh Hasina’s journey from Bangladesh to India and potentially to the UK underscores the complexities of political asylum and the broader implications of political instability. As she seeks refuge in London, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that will lead to lasting peace and stability in Bangladesh.
