Amid reports of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s plans to seek asylum in the UK, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar received a call from UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Thursday. EAM Jaishankar and his UK counterpart discussed the situation in Bangladesh and West Asia.
“Received a call from UK Foreign Secretary @DavidLammy today. Discussed the situation in Bangladesh and West Asia,” EAM Jaishankar said in a post on X.
Received a call from UK Foreign Secretary @DavidLammy today.
Discussed the situation in Bangladesh and West Asia.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 8, 2024
Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, while addressing the weekly briefing, said that the two spoke about developments in Bangladesh and West Asia.
Bangladesh is facing a fluid political situation, with Sheikh Hasina having tendered her resignation from her post on August 5 and come to India in the wake of mounting protests, primarily led by students. These demonstrations, initially driven by demands to end the quota system for government jobs, have evolved into broader anti-government protests.
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It remains unclear whether Sheikh Hasina will continue to stay in Delhi or move to another location later. However, on Wednesday, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, stated that his mother has not yet decided whether her plans for asylum are in the United States or the United Kingdom, and described these reports as “rumours,” according to The Daily Star.
Sajeeb Wazed Joy further added that she will be staying in Delhi for a while. When asked about Hasina’s asylum plans, he said, “These are all rumours. She has not made a decision on that yet. She is going to stay in Delhi for a little while.”
“Sheikh Hasina is well and now in Delhi. My sister is with her. My sister lives in Delhi… She is well, but very upset,” he added.
Members of the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus are scheduled to take the oath tonight. Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman stated on Wednesday that the oath-taking ceremony is likely to be held at 8:00 pm (local time) in the presence of around 400 dignitaries, according to The Daily Star.
(WITH INPUTS FROM ANI)
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