No provision for refuge: UK amid speculations on Sheikh Hasina's asylum
British immigration rules do not allow individuals to seek asylum or temporary refuge in the country, the UK Home Office told NDTV Tuesday morning, amid speculations that ousted Bangladesh leader Sheikh Hasina, now in Delhi, will fly to London to claim sanctuary.
The UK government, now headed by Keir Starmer following Labour's landslide win last month, also said individuals seeking asylum must do so "in the first safe country they reach".
"The UK has a proud record of providing protection for people who need it. However, there is no provision for someone to be allowed to travel to the UK to seek asylum or temporary refuge," he told the channel.
"Those who need international protection should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach - that is the fastest route to safety," a UK Home Office spokesperson told NDTV.
However, media reports quoting sources indicate a formal asylum request is being processed.
What happened on Monday?
Earlier Monday, the 76-year-old five-time Prime Minister was forced to resign from her position after more than 300 people died in violent protests over a quota for government jobs in that country.
The Bangladesh Army, which gave Sheikh Hasina 45 minutes to resign after her government couldn't control the violence, took charge of the country.
In a televised address Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman said the military will form an "interim government" and told protesters to stand down.
"There is a crisis. I have met Opposition leaders and we have decided to form an interim government to run this country. I take all responsibility and promise to protect your life and property. Your demands will be fulfilled. Please stop the violence," the Army chief said.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Tuesday made way for the formation of the interim government after officially dissolving the Parliament, a day after ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and escaped to India amid anti-government demonstrations in the country.
Bangladesh's key opposition leader and Sheikh Hasina's longtime political rival Khaleda Zia has been released from prison.
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