In a dramatic turn of events, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been living under tight security in New Delhi's Lutyens Bungalow Zone for over two months. This arrangement, facilitated by the Government of India, comes after Hasina fled her home country following massive anti-government protests.
Arrival and security measures
Sheikh Hasina arrived in India on August 5, 2024, after violent protests in Dhaka forced her to resign. The protests, which claimed over 400 lives, saw lakhs of demonstrators storming her residence. Hasina, along with a few close associates, was flown to the Hindon airbase aboard a Bangladesh Air Force aircraft. Upon arrival, she was met by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and senior military officials. Due to inadequate arrangements at the airbase, she was quickly moved to a secure location in Lutyens' Delhi.
Exile life
Living in a high-security area that houses many former and serving Members of Parliament and senior officials, Hasina's exact address remains undisclosed to protect her privacy. Despite the tight security, she leads a relatively normal life, taking occasional walks in Lodhi Garden under the watchful eyes of plainclothes security personnel.
Government's stance
The Indian government has not formally disclosed Hasina's location to the Bangladesh government. However, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed Parliament in August that Hasina had sought approval to stay in India temporarily. This move has sparked controversy in Bangladesh, with many citizens feeling betrayed by India's decision to shelter Hasina.
Family and legal troubles
Hasina is accompanied by her sister Sheikh Rehana, a British citizen, and her daughter Saima Wazed, who works as the Regional Director of the South-East Asia Region at the World Health Organization's Delhi Headquarters. Recently, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Bangladesh issued arrest warrants against Hasina and 45 others, including Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader, for alleged crimes against humanity during the student protests in July and August.
In Dhaka, residents, including students and teachers, expressed their disappointment with India's decision to provide asylum to Hasina. They accused her of rigging elections, arresting opposition leaders, and suppressing democracy. Many believe that India's support emboldened her actions, leading to her eventual downfall. Sheikh Hasina's stay in India highlights the complex political dynamics between the two countries. As she navigates her life in exile, the controversy surrounding her asylum continues to stir emotions and debates in both nations.
DISCLAIMER: This brief is based on information from publicly available sources and reflects the author's interpretation of the topic and do not reflect Prameya's or Prameya News7 editorial stance.
