Sheikh Hasina, who resigned as Bangladesh's prime minister amid weeks of protests, has not sought asylum, her US-based son and former Chief Advisor Sajeeb Wajed Joy told Republic Media Network’s Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami.
“My mother Sheikh Hasina has not made any request for asylum, Joy said.
Joy’s remarks comes following reports suggesting that Sheikh Hasina requested for political asylum in the United Kingdom. However, her plans to seek shelter in Britain has hit several roadblocks. Hasina is presently in India after she requested approval at short notice amid unrest in Bangladesh.
‘My mother is upset’: Hasina’s son
Joy expressed deep disappointment and concern over the current state of affairs in Bangladesh. Joy described his mother as "upset" by the situation, noting that the Hasina family has dedicated their lives to the country.
“My mother is disappointed, upset with what has happened in Bangladesh. My mother, family have dedicated their life to Bangladesh,” he said.
‘My mother is upset’: Hasina’s son
Joy expressed deep disappointment and concern over the current state of affairs in Bangladesh. Joy described his mother as "upset" by the situation, noting that the Hasina family has dedicated their lives to the country.
“My mother is disappointed, upset with what has happened in Bangladesh. My mother, family have dedicated their life to Bangladesh,” he said.
He criticized the current protesters, asserting that they are not representative of peaceful demonstrations.
“There’s no longer the rule of law in Bangladesh, Islamist mob is ruling the nation now. I have no doubt that Pakistan ISI and other foreign powers have a hand in this.”
Joy also expressed his belief that Bangladesh is facing a situation similar to Pakistan's, suggesting that the country is experiencing a severe decline in secular governance. Despite these allegations, Joy confirmed that Hasina has not requested asylum.
My mother didn’t wish to leave Bangladesh, we forced her to: Hasina’s son
While concluding, Joy remarked that his mother “Didn’t wish to leave but was forced by us, we demanded that she leave the country. The people protesting are not protestors. Protestors don’t hang people, they don’t kill people. This is not at all what peaceful protestors do. There is no secular rule in Bangladesh anymore.”
“This is what Americans do around the world every time their policy fails. Bangladesh is now the next Pakistan,” Sheikh Hasina’s son Joy added.
Here's why Hasina's asylum request to the UK is uncertain?
Sheikh Hasina, who arrived in India in a bid to seek temporary shelter, has sought asylum in London.
Hasina is also looking for other options in case her request is not approved.
UK government has indicated that she may not get legal protection if Dhaka initiates an investigation against her.
In case she doesn't get legal protection, the former Bangladesh PM will have to look for other options.
According to UK government, those seeking asylum must do so in the first safe country they reach.
Those who need international protection should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach, UK Home Office informed.
In an official response to Hasina's asylum request, Britain said, “The UK has a proud record of providing protection for people who need it. However, there is no provision within our Immigration Rules for someone to be allowed to travel to the UK to seek asylum or temporary refuge. Those who need international protection should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach – that is the fastest route to safety. We do not routinely comment on individual cases and each asylum claim is carefully considered on its individual merits on a case-by-case basis. You have to be in the UK to apply for asylum.”
