New Delhi: The UK Home Office clarified on Tuesday that British immigration rules do not permit individuals to seek asylum or temporary refuge by traveling to the UK. This statement comes amid speculation that ousted Bangladesh leader Sheikh Hasina, currently in Delhi, may seek asylum in London.
The UK government, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer following Labour’s recent victory, emphasised that asylum seekers must claim refuge in the “first safe country” they reach.
“The UK has a proud record of providing protection, but there is no provision for traveling to the UK to seek asylum,” a Home Office spokesperson told NDTV.
Despite this, reports suggest that Hasina’s asylum request is under consideration.
Earlier on Monday, Sheikh Hasina resigned as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister after violent protests over government job quotas led to over 300 deaths.
The Bangladeshi Army intervened, giving Hasina 45 minutes to step down before assuming control and announcing the formation of an interim government.
Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has since dissolved Parliament to facilitate this interim government.
Additionally, key opposition leader Khaleda Zia has been released from prison.
