Sheikh Hasina, the prime minister of bangladesh who was overthrown amid violent riots, has been residing in a safe place close to delhi for more than a day. Hasina is expected to remain in india for the next 48 hours, sources say, since it is unclear where she would apply for asylum.
 
Sheikh Hasina touched down at the Hindon airfield in delhi on monday evening. Her 15-year rule came to an abrupt end due to violent protests and extensive rioting over the contentious quota system. According to early reports, she could apply for asylum in the UK because Sheikh Rehana, her sister, is a citizen of the UK. Sheikh Hasina will not, however, be granted asylum, according to british government sources, who state that "there is no provision within our Immigration Rules for someone to be allowed to travel to the UK to seek asylum or temporary refuge."
 
Additionally, the united kingdom government states that "those who need international protection should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach – that is the fastest route to safety" . Sheikh Hasina may go to New delhi, a place the embattled leader of the Awami League is familiar with, if this rule is to be followed.
 
SHEIKH HASINA's STAY IN NEW DELHI
After her family was massacred in 1975, including her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Sheikh Hasina fled to india with her spouse, kids, and sister. She spent six years, from 1975 to 1981, living under a false name on Pandara Road in Delhi.
 
But this time, things aren't quite the same. Following her father's murder, Hasina and her family were well-liked in Dhaka until she sought refuge in delhi in 1975. Bangladeshis had a strong sense of loyalty to the family of their founding father, who had liberated them from Pakistan.
 
Sheikh Hasina is the target of protesters this time. She has been called a despot who suppressed free expression and used force to suppress her opponents and demonstrators.

When Sheikh Hasina decided to depart Dhaka and take a plane to india, no one was surprised. Despite being mocked at home, Hasina has received backing from the indian governments, particularly the current narendra modi administration, for her secular credentials and pro-India stance. Additionally, Hasina has controlled the Islamist groups and shown consideration for India's security concerns.
 
If the UK formally denies Sheikh Hasina's request for asylum, india could be wise to reconsider providing her with refuge. According to some accounts, Hasina's son lives in the US, and the US may have also revoked her visa.
 
CHALLENGES IN GIVING ASYLUM TO SHEIKH HASINA
Before thinking about Sheikh Hasina staying in the nation for a longer period of time, New delhi would need to take a lot of factors into account.
 
Firstly, it would seem that india is endorsing one side in the dispute involving Bangladesh. Due of New Delhi's close proximity to Hasina, there is a strong anti-Indian feeling on the streets of Dhaka.
 
In light of this, the Centre will need to walk a fine line in order to facilitate negotiations with Bangladesh's incoming administration and to underline that India's relationships are with its people, not with any one leader in particular.
 
Supporting Sheikh Hasina may possibly lead to unrest on India's eastern border. bangladesh and india have a 4,096-kilometer border, and because of the upheaval in bangladesh, security in the region has been increased.

If New delhi keeps providing refuge to the head of the Awami League, Islamist elements in bangladesh, who have been involved in the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina in a covert manner, could portray india as a middleman.
 
The student branch of Jamaat-e-Islami bangladesh, Islami Chhatra Shibir, was the focal point of demonstrations against a contentious government employment quota scheme. Over the last two years, several Islami Chhatra Shibir cadres have reportedly been accepted to Bangladeshi institutions, from where they have allegedly inspired the demonstrations against the Hasina administration.
 
 
 
 
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G GOWTHAM

07/08/2024 07:58 AM