The inquiry by the United States regarding Sheikh Hasina’s status in India and the Indian government’s response has initiated a new situation. The U.S. has asked India how and under what arrangements Sheikh Hasina is staying in Delhi. Following this question, the Indian government said that Sheikh Hasina would soon move to a country in the Middle East.
After this information was made public, there has been increased international concern regarding Sheikh Hasina’s security and her status. Following her resignation amid the student-led mass movement on August 5, she fled to India, and since then, speculation about her whereabouts has intensified. Notably, Sheikh Hasina’s diplomatic passport (red passport) has been canceled. Holders of such passports can stay in India for 45 days without a visa. She has already been in India for almost two months. Now that the validity of her stay on a diplomatic passport has expired, it is unclear under what status she remains on Indian soil. The Indian side has not clarified this issue either, adding to the uncertainty regarding Sheikh Hasina’s future destination.
