Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been in India for the past 24 hours, has not sought asylum “anywhere,” her son Sajeeb Wazed told NDTV today, dismissing recent speculation. Mr. Wazed, based in Washington, stated that Ms. Hasina, 76, was already considering retirement and now plans to retire from politics, dividing her time among family members.
Key Points from the Interview
- No Asylum Request: Mr. Wazed refuted reports about his mother seeking asylum in the UK or US. He clarified that there have been no requests or discussions regarding asylum.
- Retirement Plans: He reiterated that Ms. Hasina intended to retire after this term. The family is planning to spend more time together, though specific arrangements are still being decided.
- Family Locations: Mr. Wazed mentioned that he is in Washington, his aunt is in London, and his sister lives in Delhi. Ms. Hasina might travel between these places.
Arrival in India
Ms. Hasina’s aircraft, provided by the Bangladesh armed forces, landed at the Indian Air Force base in Hindon near Delhi shortly after departing from Dhaka. Foreign Minister S Jaishankar explained that Ms. Hasina had requested approval to come to India at very short notice. The Indian government received a simultaneous request for flight clearance from Bangladeshi authorities.
Ongoing Speculation
There has been much speculation about Ms. Hasina’s final destination, with potential locations including the US, UK, and Finland. The Indian government has not yet announced how long she will stay in India.
Border Security and Transportation
- High Alert: The Border Security Force (BSF) is on high alert across India’s 4,096-km border with Bangladesh.
- Transportation Disruptions: Indian Railways has stopped trains to Bangladesh, and most airlines have cancelled flights to Dhaka.
Current Situation in Bangladesh
Mr. Jaishankar described the situation in Dhaka as “evolving” and expressed concern about the law and order situation. The Indian government is closely monitoring the developments and ensuring the safety of Indian nationals in Bangladesh.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| No Asylum Request | Ms. Hasina has not sought asylum in any country |
| Retirement Plans | Ms. Hasina plans to retire from politics |
| Family Locations | Son in Washington, aunt in London, sister in Delhi |
| Arrival in India | Landed at Hindon Air Force base, near Delhi |
| Border Security | BSF on high alert along India-Bangladesh border |
| Transportation | Trains and flights to Bangladesh cancelled |
| Current Situation | Described as “evolving” by Mr. Jaishankar |
This development marks a significant moment in Bangladesh’s political landscape, with Ms. Hasina stepping away from her long-standing role and looking forward to a quieter life with her family.