Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, addressed rumors about her seeking asylum in the US or UK. In an interview, Joy clarified that his mother did not want to leave Bangladesh. Their family had to convince her to flee Dhaka for her safety. He emphasized that her safety was at risk due to the escalating violence. "I was worried because she didn't want to leave. I told her, 'This is not a political movement anymore; this is a mob... they are going to kill you,'" Joy told Deutsche Welle.
Sheikh Hasina left Dhaka on Monday via a military aircraft, arriving at Ghaziabad's Hindon airport in India. She was quickly taken to a secure location. Joy dismissed claims that Hasina sought asylum, stating she would stay in Delhi for some time. Following her departure, protesters vandalized her house. Joy mentioned that the decision for Hasina to resign was made a day before, but the immediate threat from protesters forced her to leave sooner than planned.
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Joy revealed that the decision for Hasina to resign was taken a day earlier, but only a few were aware of it. The plan was for a constitutional transition of power. However, as thousands of protesters marched towards her residence, the urgency to leave increased. "When they began marching towards Ganabhaban, we told her there was no more time. You have to leave now," Joy explained.
Currently, Sheikh Hasina is in Delhi, accompanied by her daughter, who lives there. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed an all-party meeting that Hasina was in shock and the government was giving her time before discussing her future plans. Joy stated, "Sheikh Hasina is well but very upset. My sister is with her, and she hasn't decided to move to another place yet."
The political crisis in Bangladesh has deeply affected Sheikh Hasina. Joy's remarks highlight the personal toll on their family and the urgent measures taken to ensure her safety. As the situation evolves, her temporary stay in India reflects the precarious nature of her position and the efforts to protect her from further harm.