In the face of massive student and public protests, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country on August 5, seeking refuge in New Delhi, India. Initially, it was planned that she would proceed to the United Kingdom via Delhi, where her sister, Sheikh Rehana, resides. However, she was unable to leave India.

On August 5, the aircraft carrying Sheikh Hasina landed at Hindon Air Force Base near Delhi, where the Indian military took charge of her security.

In an investigative report published by the Indian media outlet 'Northeast News,' award-winning Bangladeshi journalist Selim Samad claimed that Sheikh Hasina is currently staying in a secured house near the Delhi base, where she has been cut off from any communication.

Samad, quoting an undisclosed source, stated that it remains unclear whether Hasina was placed under house arrest upon her arrival at Hindon Air Base. However, the source confirmed that after Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus was sworn in and held his first telephone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Hasina was moved to a secure house. Shortly after the conversation between Modi and Yunus, all of Hasina's communication devices were disrupted. Since then, she has not been able to contact anyone.

The source further revealed that Hasina is not allowed to leave the house, nor is she permitted to visit the military base's supermarket, even though it is within walking distance of her residence.

The report also mentioned that Sheikh Hasina’s daughter, Saima Wazed, who is the WHO Regional Director, is currently stationed in Delhi, but has not yet had the chance to meet her mother, despite Hasina’s month-long stay in the city.

When Sheikh Hasina fled to India, her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, announced that he would visit his mother in Delhi. However, he was advised not to come since he would not be allowed to meet her.

Additionally, all of Hasina's phone connections have been cut off, preventing her from speaking to any known contacts. Her children's silence about her confinement is also noticeable.

The report further mentioned that Hasina's sister, Sheikh Rehana, a British citizen, is also with her in Delhi and is similarly restricted. It remains unclear whether Rehana’s daughter, Tulip Siddiq, a Member of Parliament and junior minister in the UK, has requested any assistance from the British government on behalf of her mother and aunt. There is also no confirmation as to whether Tulip has sought help from the British High Commission in Delhi.

According to the investigative report, Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus has hinted at the possibility of seeking Sheikh Hasina's return to Bangladesh. If Bangladesh formally requests her return, it could pose a significant challenge for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The report concluded by stating that if India refuses to return Sheikh Hasina despite a formal request from Bangladesh, it remains uncertain how India would recover from the damage this could cause to its international reputation.

Source: Northeast News