Where will Sheikh Hasina go? Bangladesh Ex-PM's options after Dhaka exit
New Delhi: Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, resigned amid violent protests and fled Dhaka two days ago. She landed near Delhi, sparking speculation about her next move. Initial reports suggested she might seek asylum in the UK, but this appears unlikely as the UK Home Office stated that British immigration rules do not allow individuals to travel to the country to seek asylum or temporary refuge.
In an interview with NDTV, Sheikh Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, clarified that his mother has not requested asylum anywhere. He mentioned that she had planned to retire after her current term and is now done with politics in Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina's daughter, Saima Wazed, who resides in Delhi, expressed her heartbreak over the situation but indicated she has not met her mother since the escape.
Despite Sheikh Hasina's sister being a UK citizen and her niece, Tulip Siddiq, holding a political position in the Labour Party, the UK has maintained that individuals seeking asylum must do so in the first safe country they reach. Thus, the UK appears hesitant to offer her refuge.
Although Sheikh Hasina's son lives in the US, the strained relations between Washington and Dhaka during her tenure reduce the likelihood of her moving there. There have been unconfirmed reports of her US visa being canceled following her resignation.
Sheikh Hasina has been in India since Monday. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that she sought approval to come to India on short notice. India is giving her time to decide on her next move, considering her historical relationship with the country, but faces a diplomatic dilemma in supporting her openly.
Sheikh Hasina's future remains uncertain as she considers her options amid geopolitical complexities. The Indian government is providing her with the necessary time and support to recover and plan her next steps.
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Bhojshala case: Disputed structure built from remains of pre-existing temples, claims ASI
Indore (PTI): The ASI has told the Madhya Pradesh High Court that a massive structure dating back to the Paramara kings' rule existed at the disputed Bhojshala temple-Kamal Maula mosque complex, and the current structure was built from the remains of temples.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) made the claim on Tuesday based on its 98-day scientific survey and over 2,000-page report.
The Hindu community considers Bhojshala a temple dedicated to Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), while the Muslim side claims the monument as the Kamal Maula Mosque. The disputed complex is protected by the ASI.
During the hearing before Justices Vijay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi of the HC's Indore bench, Additional Solicitor General Sunil Kumar Jain, representing the ASI, presented a detailed account of the scientific survey conducted two years ago at the complex.
Referring to the ASI's survey report, he said, "Retrieved architectural remains, sculptural fragments, large slabs of inscriptions with literary texts, Nagakarnika inscriptions on pillars, etc, suggest that a large structure associated with literary and educational activities existed at the site. Based on scientific investigations and archaeological remains recovered during the investigations, this pre-existing structure can be dated to the Paramara period."
It can be said that the existing structure was made from the parts of earlier temples, based on scientific investigations, survey and archaeological excavations conducted, study and analysis of retrieved finds, study of architectural remains, sculptures, and inscriptions, art and sculptures, Jain said quoting the report.
Summarising the report, he also drew the court's attention to the fact that the archaeological study identifies that many architectural components, such as pillars and beams, were originally part of temple structures before being repurposed for a mosque.
"The evidence of this transition includes Sanskrit and Prakrit inscriptions that were damaged or hidden, alongside sculptures of deities and animals that were often mutilated or defaced," Jain contended.
The report also states that "all Sanskrit and Prakrit inscriptions are older than the Arabic and Persian inscriptions, indicating that users or engravers of the Sanskrit and Prakrit inscriptions occupied the place earlier".
In light of the Muslim side's earlier objections, the bench wanted to know why there were some discrepancies in the ASI's responses regarding the status of the disputed complex in the cases filed over the years.
The Additional Solicitor General argued that earlier studies of the complex involved only officials, while the current survey involved scientists and the use of advanced technologies such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR).
The hearing in the Bhojshala case will continue on Wednesday.
The high court has been regularly hearing four petitions and one writ appeal regarding the religious nature of the Bhojshala temple-Kamal Maula mosque complex since April 6.
