After relinquishing power and leaving Bangladesh, it remains unclear where Sheikh Hasina’s final destination will be. In this situation, researcher Tom Keane of the International Crisis Group stated that political asylum in Western countries would be very ‘difficult’ for Sheikh Hasina, and it may even be impossible.
According to a report by BBC Bangla, Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at the Washington-based research organization Wilson Center, also believes that political asylum in a Western country would be very difficult for Sheikh Hasina.
Researcher Tom Keane said that various international human rights organizations and the UN Human Rights Council were vocal against the use of force by the security forces during the student protests. However, Sheikh Hasina’s government could not be restrained from using force. She wanted to stay in power by killing more people.
He believes that if the International Criminal Court investigates recent events in Bangladesh and initiates any judicial process, it will create a different situation. In that case, even if she is in the UK, she will not be safe.
Tom Keane said that what happened in Bangladesh has been seen by everyone. Many videos and photos have surfaced on social media. These things did not spread so quickly twenty or thirty years ago. The amount of bloodshed and the negative perception of Sheikh Hasina have created a significant negative image.
Michael Kugelman said that the intense force used by the security forces against peaceful protests and the repression of Sheikh Hasina’s government had strong objections from Western countries. This will be a significant concern for Sheikh Hasina, as many of her family members reside in Western countries.
He added that countries that do not care much about human rights violations might give her asylum. This could be a country outside the Western nations or possibly in the Gulf countries.
Tom Keane said that what happened in Bangladesh has been seen by everyone. Many videos and photos have surfaced on social media. Twenty or thirty years ago, these things did not spread so quickly. The amount of bloodshed and the negative perception of Sheikh Hasina have created a significant negative image.
Tom Keane further said that post-Cold War, Europe and the United States provided asylum to their allies. I don’t think they have any obligation towards Sheikh Hasina. Sheikh Hasina occasionally made it to the list of Western favorites in the past but could not become an ally.
Earlier, on Monday, August 5, Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country amid student and public protests. She is currently in India.
