US scraps Hasina‍‍`s visa, Joy rules out as rumour

Ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visa has been revoked by the United States, reports News18 citing sources close to the opposition in Bangladesh. 

This development comes amid reports that Western nations, including the US, sought her ousting from power.

However, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Sheikh Hasina‍‍`s son told India Today in an interview that US visa scrapping was nothing but a rumour.

Hasina, who resigned and fled to India following violent protests in Bangladesh, is currently at Hindon Airbase in Ghaziabad of India. While she is exploring options for asylum in European countries, reports indicate that the UK is not prepared to grant her refuge. Sources suggest that her sister, Rehana, who holds UK citizenship, may leave for the UK shortly.

On Monday, the military arranged Sheikh Hasina’s departure from Dhaka after weeks of mounting pressure due to anti-government protests against her reservation policies. The protests escalated into violent unrest, resulting in over 440 deaths in recent weeks. Hours after her resignation, Hasina’s residence was stormed by protesters, leading to widespread vandalism.

Upon her arrival in India on Monday, Hasina was met by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and senior military officials, who assured her of full security. The Indian Air Force closely monitored her flight, deploying Rafale fighter jets to ensure her safe passage. The situation in Bangladesh continues to be volatile, with the military announcing the formation of an interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

On Tuesday, India‍‍`s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told Parliament that Hasina reached out to India for safe passage following her abrupt resignation. Delivering a suo motu statement in the Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar said that Hasina received approval to travel to India at “very short notice”.

On 5th August, demonstrators converged in Dhaka despite the curfew. Our understanding is that after a meeting with leaders of the security establishment, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina apparently made the decision to resign,” Jaishankar said in the Parliament. “At very short notice, she requested approval to come for the moment to India. We simultaneously received a request for flight clearance from Bangladesh authorities. She arrived yesterday evening in Delhi,” he added.