New Delhi: UK Home Office clarified on Tuesday that British immigration laws prohibit individuals from entering the country to claim asylum or temporary refuge. This statement comes amid rumors that Sheikh Hasina, the former leader of Bangladesh currently in Delhi, plans to seek sanctuary in London. The UK government, now led by Sir Keir Starmer, emphasized that asylum seekers must apply in the first safe country they enter, and there are no exceptions for traveling to the UK specifically to seek asylum or temporary refuge, although the UK has a history of protecting those in need.According to a UK Home Office spokesperson who told NDTV, individuals requiring international protection should seek asylum in the initial safe country they enter, as this provides the most expedient path to securing their safety.UK connections could aid asylum claimDespite initial reports, sources suggest that a formal asylum request is currently being processed for Sheikh Hasina, the 76-year-old former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, who was ousted on Monday evening after weeks of violent protests over job quotas resulted in over 300 deaths. Hasina fled Dhaka on a military plane, reportedly after a 45-minute ultimatum from the Bangladesh Army, and initially landed at an Indian Air Force base in Uttar Pradesh, where she was met by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Although initial plans indicated she would travel to London after refueling, her current schedule and location remain unconfirmed. Sources reveal that Hasina is under the protective custody of Indian intelligence services, accompanied by her UK-citizen sister, Sheikh Rehana, which could potentially aid in an asylum claim in the UK.Additionally, her niece, Tulip Siddiq, is a British Labour MP, while her daughter, Saima Wazed, is based in Delhi as the World Health Organizations regional chief, though her international agency affiliation may not provide direct assistance.What is Indians governments positionAccording to unconfirmed sources cited by the Daily Sun, India has granted Sheikh Hasina an interim stay with comprehensive logistical support, pending her relocation to Britain. This temporary arrangement allows India to navigate a delicate situation.Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been briefed on the Bangladesh crisis, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has engaged with leaders of all major political parties. During these discussions, Jaishankar hinted at a conspiracy behind the toppling of Hasinas government, responding to Congress MP Rahul Gandhis query about potential foreign involvement, specifically from Pakistan.The developments in Bangladesh pose a challenge for India, particularly if the UK denies Hasinas asylum request. India must balance its support for the ousted leader with the need to maintain a stable relationship with the new government in Bangladesh, whatever its composition may be. Overt backing for Hasina could complicate Indias ties with the new regime.Whats next for Bangladesh As Bangladesh navigates its current crisis, a new interim government is reportedly being formed, with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus likely to serve as an advisor. This development comes on the heels of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zias release from prison, ordered by President Mohammed Shahabuddin, after her conviction on corruption charges.Following Sheikh Hasinas resignation, speculation has centered around three key players: the Army, which assumed control and may have given Hasina an ultimatum to leave Khaleda Zia, Hasinas rival and former Prime Minister, released from prison after being jailed in 2018 and potentially Muhammad Yunus, who may guide the new interim government.
