The Indian government has decided to grant a long-term residence permit to the deposed prime minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, for staying in the country.

POBNEWS24, Dhaka, Jan 8, 2025 : The Indian government has decided to grant a long-term residence permit to the deposed prime minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, for staying in the country.

Highly placed sources confirmed the matter on Tuesday to some media. However, the nature of the permit has not been divulged.

Some sources indicated that it could be a “residential permit” that allows individuals to live a normal life while in exile.

On the recommendation of the Ministry of External Affairs, the home ministry is issuing such a permit.

Sources said India has yet to decide to give Sheikh Hasina political asylum against the backdrop that there is no law to give someone political asylum. At the same time, they said, she would not be sent back to Bangladesh as demanded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through a note verbale.Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of the former prime minister, earlier told the Indian media that his mother did not seek political asylum and her visa was valid when she landed at the Indian Hindan Air Force Station.

Meanwhile, the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh has charged Sheikh Hasina with the murder of innocent citizens. The tribunal asked the Bangladesh government to produce her before the Dhaka court for judicial trials. They have also decided to interrogate her on these charges. The Bangladesh government may ask India to give consular access.

Sources in the Indian government said, “We will cross the bridge when it comes.” They argued that Indian authorities sheltered her on short notice. Until 5 August, there was no criminal charge against Hasina. India extended customary assistance to a “distressed person” on humanitarian grounds.

Generally, consular access is provided for a person arrested and imprisoned. Sheikh Hasina was not arrested or in jail.

Earlier, India had not clarified Hasina’s plans but has now decided to allow her to stay in the country for as long as she wishes.Source: Daily Sun