Hasina, who arrived at the Hindon airbase on Monday shortly after resigning as prime minister, was moved to a secure, undisclosed location. She had intended to travel to London from India but is now considering alternative plans after the British government suggested she might not receive legal protection in the UK against potential investigations.
Sheikh Hasina’s Plans for London Trip Uncertain
The Awami League leader planned to transit through India on her way to London, with her aides informing Indian authorities in advance. However, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that Bangladesh has experienced “unprecedented levels of violence and tragic loss of life” in recent weeks. He emphasized the need for a “full and independent UN-led investigation into the events.”
No Clear Path Ahead
The situation remains fluid, with no clear resolution in sight for Hasina’s travel plans. Despite the challenges, she may remain in India for the time being, as the situation continues to evolve.
Hasina, 76, resigned after 15 years in power, following massive protests that began over a job quota scheme and escalated into a demand for her removal from office. The controversial quota system reserved 30 percent of civil service jobs for families of veterans from the 1971 liberation war.
The Awami League retained power in the January parliamentary election, which was boycotted by opposition parties. Following her resignation, Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana left her official residence in a military helicopter to an airbase, from where she flew to Hindon in a Bangladesh Air Force C-130 military transport aircraft.