Amid ongoing speculation that former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina might seek asylum in the UK, the British Home Office has reiterated that current immigration rules do not permit individuals to travel to the country specifically for asylum or temporary refuge.
A Home Office spokesperson clarified to NDTV on Tuesday that asylum seekers are required to apply for protection in the “first safe country” they arrive in. “The UK has a proud tradition of offering protection to those in need,” the spokesperson said. “However, there is no provision for individuals to be allowed to travel to the UK to request asylum or temporary refuge.”
Sheikh Hasina, who resigned from her position as Prime Minister on Monday following violent protests over a jobs quota system that resulted in over 300 deaths, had initially fled Dhaka aboard a military aircraft. She arrived at an Indian Air Force base in Uttar Pradesh, where she was met by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. There had been reports suggesting that she might proceed to London after refueling, but her current whereabouts and travel plans remain unconfirmed.
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.
