International Desk, 6th August: Sheikh Hasina, the ‘Iron Lady’ of Bangladesh, was forced to resign and flee the country on August 5, ending her 15-year rule amid violent anti-government protests. She has reportedly sought asylum in the United Kingdom.
Hasina arrived at India’s Hindon Airbase on a military aircraft, where she met with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and other senior officials. According to India Today, she is currently seeking refuge at the airbase while awaiting clearance for her travel to the UK. Reports suggest she may extend her stay in India if necessary.
Sources told PTI that Hasina plans to travel to London to seek asylum. However, uncertainty surrounds her plans as British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has called for a full, independent UN-led investigation into the violence in Bangladesh.
Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Hasina’s son and former official adviser, told India Today TV that his mother was disappointed, asserting that she had not done anything wrong. “She provided the best government in the country,” he said. Joy added that Hasina plans to spend time with her grandchildren and has no immediate plans to return to Bangladesh.
Her resignation was met with widespread celebrations in Dhaka, despite the continuing violent upheaval. Bangladesh’s Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced the formation of a new interim government after consultations with political parties, excluding the former ruling party, Awami League.
General Zaman pledged to end the violence, stating, “It is time to stop the violence and address all injustices.” The protests, which have claimed over 300 lives, continue to pose significant challenges for the country.
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