Sheikh Hasina seeks asylum in UK

The Awami League president and her sister Sheikh Rehana landed in Ghaziabad near New Delhi after leaving Dhaka and travelling through Agartala

Sheikh Hasina has sought asylum in the United Kingdom after her resignation as prime minister following a massive public protest against her government, according to Indian media reports.

The Awami League president and her sister Sheikh Rehana landed in India for a safe shelter after leaving Bangladesh in the wake of a civil uprising on Monday.

Citing diplomatic sources, Indian newspaper The Hindu reported that Hasina sought asylum in London, not in India. However, the reports speculated that she would fly to London through New Delhi after staying overnight in the Indian capital.

News18 said Hasina’s younger sister Rehena is a citizen of the United Kingdom. Her daughter Tulip Siddiq is a member of the British parliament for the Labour Party. That’s why the two could move to the UK.

Kolkata-based Anadabazar Patrika said Hasina did not seek political asylum in India as she would probably move to London. However, Hasina and Rehana might stay at Delhi’s ‘Safe House’ for several days.

Earlier, Indian media reported that the military helicopter carrying Hasina and her sister had landed at the Hindon Air Force base in Ghaziabad near New Delhi after leaving Dhaka.

According to The Hindu and News18, the plane arrived at the airbase, but it remains unclear whether they will head directly to the capital, Delhi, which is 3 km away from the base, or another location.

Hasina’s daughter Saima Wazed Putul, the World Health Organization's regional director for South-East Asia, lives in Delhi. They might head to her residence as well, the sources said.

Earlier, Reuters reported that Hasina arrived in Agartala hours after the news of her resignation and departure from the country came.

The agency, citing intelligence sources, reported that India has arranged a safe refuge for Hasina.

Bangladesh’s army chief Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman addressed the nation around 3:45pm, announcing Hasina’s resignation.

Anandabazar Patrika mentioned that the helicopter was piloted by Air Commodore Abbas, a member of the 101 Squadron.

Hasina has been in power for 15 and a half years as the leader of the Awami League.

The student protests demanding quota reforms, which started 36 days ago, evolved into an antigovernment movement, resulting in widespread violence and the deaths of over 300 people.