New Delhi: The Indian government has granted former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina an interim stay following the collapse of her government amidst unprecedented anti-quota protests, media reports indicated on Monday.
During this period, India will provide comprehensive logistical support as Hasina seeks asylum in the UK, according to a report by the Daily Sun. Hasina’s stay in India is approved only temporarily, pending her relocation to Britain.
Hasina, who resigned on Monday amid escalating anti-government protests that have claimed over 300 lives in the past fortnight, is currently on her way to London via India. However, there has been no confirmation from the UK government regarding the grant of political asylum for the former Bangladeshi leader.
Hasina is being accompanied by her sister, Rehana, a UK citizen. Rehana is the younger daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the “Father of Bangladesh,” and Sheikh Fazilatun Necha Mujib. Rehana’s daughter, Tulip Siddiq, serves as a member of the British Parliament representing the Labour Party.
Meanwhile, Indian government sources stated that New Delhi is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation in Dhaka.
In Dhaka, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman announced that Hasina had resigned and that an interim government was taking over responsibilities. “I’m taking all responsibility (of the country). Please cooperate,” he said in a televised address. The Army Chief added that he had met with political leaders and informed them that the Army would assume responsibility for maintaining law and order.
More than 100 people have been killed in the protests against the Hasina government over the past two days. The international community, including the United States, has called for a peaceful and democratic resolution to the crisis, urging all parties to refrain from further violence and to maintain calm and restraint in the days ahead.
