Not Appropriate To Discuss Sheikh Hasina's Plans, Situation In Bangladesh Evolving: MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday that it is up to Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to decide on her future plans, and it is not appropriate for India to make any calls regarding that.

Hasina fled to India after stepping down as prime minister on Monday following violent protests demanding her resignation. The 76-year-old Awami League leader landed at an airbase near Delhi on Monday and later moved to a safe location under tight security.

“Our External Affairs Minister has already explained that the approval for former PM Sheikh Hasina to come to India was given at short notice. The situation is still evolving as far as Bangladesh is concerned. It would not be appropriate to talk about her plans,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a press briefing.

Bangladesh’s ousted prime minister who fled to India following mass protests against her government, is planning to stay in Delhi “for a little while,” according to her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy. During a video interview with German broadcaster Deutsche Welle on Wednesday, Joy was asked about Hasina’s reported plans to seek asylum in a third country.

“These are all rumors. She has not made a decision on that yet. She is going to stay in Delhi for a little while. My sister is with her, so she is not alone,” Joy said. Hasina’s daughter Saima Wazed is the World Health Organisation’s Regional Director for the Southeast Asia Region, which has its headquarters in New Delhi.

Hasina’s plan to travel to London has hit a roadblock due to the UK’s hesitation to provide her refuge. Rehana’s daughter, Tulip Siddiq, is a member of the British Parliament. Joy, who spoke on the current volatile situation in Bangladesh, was also asked if he has any plans to join politics.

He laughed it off, saying: “There is no such plan right now. This is the third time a coup d’état has been staged against our family.” All his family members, except Hasina, have been living abroad for a long time and settled into their respective lives. He also dismissed the chance of Sheikh Rehana or any other family members joining politics.