United States has revoked the visa of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, according to sources close to the opposition in Bangladesh. This development comes amid allegations that Western nations, including the US, played a role in her ouster from power.
Hasina, who resigned and fled to India following violent protests in Bangladesh, is currently at Hindon Airbase in Ghaziabad. While she is reportedly exploring options for asylum in European countries, reports indicate that the UK is not prepared to grant her refuge. Her sister, Rehana, who holds UK citizenship, may leave for the UK shortly.
On Monday, the military arranged for Hasina’s departure from Dhaka after weeks of mounting pressure due to anti-government protests against her reservation policies. The protests escalated into violent unrest, resulting in over 440 deaths in recent weeks. Hours after her resignation, Hasina’s residence was stormed by protesters, leading to widespread vandalism.
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Upon her arrival in India on Monday, Hasina was met by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and senior military officials, who assured her of full security. The Indian Air Force closely monitored her flight, deploying Rafale fighter jets to ensure her safe passage.
The situation in Bangladesh continues to be volatile, with the military announcing the formation of an interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced in Parliament on Tuesday that former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had reached out to India for safe passage following her abrupt resignation. Delivering a suo motu statement in the Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar revealed that Hasina received approval to travel to India at “very short notice.“
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On August 5, demonstrators converged in Dhaka despite the curfew. According to Jaishankar, “Our understanding is that after a meeting with leaders of the security establishment, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina apparently made the decision to resign. At very short notice, she requested approval to come for the moment to India. We simultaneously received a request for flight clearance from Bangladesh authorities. She arrived yesterday evening in Delhi.“
Hasina’s arrival in India comes amid a period of significant political upheaval in Bangladesh, following her resignation and the subsequent revocation of her U.S. visa. As the situation in Bangladesh continues to unfold, the role of India in providing safe passage to Hasina underscores the complex dynamics of regional politics and the potential for further developments in the region.
