Sheikh Hasina did not receive political asylum in the UK. On Monday evening at approximately 6 PM, her aircraft landed at Hindon Airbase in Ghaziabad, on the outskirts of Delhi, India’s capital. This airbase, overseen by the Indian Air Force’s Western Air Command, is among the largest in Asia. According to sources, Sheikh Hasina arrived aboard a cargo plane operated by the Bangladesh Air Force, accompanied by her sister, Sheikh Rehana, and several officers.
Initially, there were expectations that Sheikh Hasina’s plane would land at Delhi Airport. However, it later emerged that she disembarked at the Ghaziabad airbase instead of Delhi International Airport. Earlier reports had suggested she might depart for London on Monday night, but subsequent reports indicated that the UK had declined her request for political asylum. While there has been no official confirmation, if accurate, Sheikh Hasina may reside in a ‘safe house’ in Delhi for the coming days. It’s notable that she did not seek political asylum in India.
Following widespread unrest, Sheikh Hasina not only resigned from her post as Prime Minister but also departed Bangladesh. On Monday afternoon, she left her Dhaka residence, Ganabhaban, accompanied by her sister Rehana. She was transported to safety via a helicopter belonging to the Bangladesh Air Force, piloted by Air Commander Abbas.