Bangladesh protests (X)
New Delhi: In a dramatic turn of events, the United States has revoked the visa of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina following her abrupt departure from Bangladesh amid violent protests. Sources close to the US Department of State confirmed the action as Hasina arrived in India on Monday afternoon. She is currently in India, with plans to potentially travel to the UK now uncertain.
Sheikh Hasina, who resigned amid escalating violence in Bangladesh, landed at India’s Hindon airbase with her sister Sheikh Rehana. The former Prime Minister was relocated to a high-security, undisclosed location. While initially planning to head to London, Hasina is now exploring alternative options due to potential legal complications in the UK. Rehana holds UK citizenship, but it remains unclear if Hasina will join her there.
The United States has had a fraught relationship with Hasina, particularly after the controversial January elections in Bangladesh, which the US criticized for being neither free nor fair. US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called for the establishment of a balanced interim government in Bangladesh to pave the way for democratic elections, stating, "PM Hasina's violent reaction to legitimate protests made her continued rule untenable." Visa restrictions on Hasina's party members and officials have been reported, reflecting ongoing tensions. The US had earlier advised its citizens against traveling to Bangladesh due to civil unrest.
Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, expressed his mother’s deep disappointment over the situation, indicating that she had been considering resignation and left under family pressure. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that Hasina had requested urgent travel approval to India and briefed Parliament on the evolving situation in Bangladesh. Jaishankar emphasized that the Indian government is allowing Hasina time to determine her next steps. "The situation in Bangladesh is still evolving," he noted.
Copyright © 2025 Top Indian News
