Having barely escaped, Sheikh Hasina’s associates initially sought temporary refuge in India. However, reports indicate that one by one, they are now beginning to leave the country. While Hasina is still believed to be in Delhi, her next steps remain uncertain. The exact destination of her associates after leaving India is also unknown.
Last Monday, the Hasina government fell, leading to her resignation and subsequent departure from Bangladesh. She, along with her sister Rehana, boarded a plane and landed at Hindon Airbase in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. Since then, it is reported that Hasina has been staying in a secret location in Delhi. Following her arrival, several members of her party also fled to India.
According to India Today, by Thursday, these associates of Hasina began leaving India one by one, heading to undisclosed destinations. It is unclear whether they are returning to Bangladesh or relocating elsewhere. Hasina and her team had to leave Bangladesh in great haste, taking with them only a few belongings. When it became evident that her government was about to collapse, hundreds of people reportedly started entering the Ganabhaban in Dhaka. Allegedly, the Bangladesh military gave Hasina just 45 minutes to leave the country. In that short time, she managed to take only a few personal items. Her associates also had limited time to gather their belongings.
Sources reveal that Hasina and her companions were unable to bring adequate clothing or essential items with them. They have since purchased necessary supplies in India with the assistance of officials from India’s protocol department, who were assigned to support them.
It remains unclear where Hasina will go next after leaving India. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, has indicated that she will not be returning to Bangladesh. There are rumors that Hasina has expressed a desire to go to London, but the UK has yet to give the green light. Official sources have not made any public statements regarding this.
India’s Foreign Minister, S. Jaishankar, informed Parliament last Tuesday that Hasina is mentally distressed. Consequently, India is giving her some time to finalize her next steps. India will make decisions based on her subsequent actions.
Source: Anandabazar Patrika
