Role: BBC News Bangla, Delhi
Date: November 13, 2024
The four-story building located at 56 Ring Road, Lajpat Nagar, Delhi, holds a unique place in history. Nestled along the busy Inner Ring Road of the Indian capital, it is now a chic four-star hotel called 'Hotel Diplomat Residency.' However, few know that nearly half a century ago, this building was a 'safe house' for Sheikh Hasina and her family when they first took refuge in India.
Following the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975, then-Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi decided to offer asylum to Sheikh Hasina, her husband, and children. The Indian security agencies discreetly housed them in this government-controlled guesthouse.
Though the building has undergone transformations, its historical significance remains. Interestingly, the area of Lajpat Nagar has since evolved into a hub for IVF treatment, attracting numerous international visitors, including many from Bangladesh. Unbeknownst to them, the very place where they now seek medical assistance once sheltered the longest-serving Prime Minister of Bangladesh during the most critical period of her life.
A New Address, A New Chapter
Sheikh Hasina's stay at 56 Ring Road was brief due to security concerns. The family was soon relocated to a government flat on Pandara Road, an upscale area of central Delhi, where they lived under assumed identities for about five and a half years.
Fast forward 49 years, Sheikh Hasina once again found herself seeking refuge in India, albeit under vastly different circumstances. On August 5, 2024, she arrived in Delhi after being ousted from power in Bangladesh. Initially expected to transit to a third country in Europe or the Middle East, her stay in India has extended far beyond what was initially anticipated.
Where Is She Now?
Upon her arrival, Sheikh Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana were housed temporarily in the terminal building of the Hindon Air Force base near Ghaziabad, managed by India’s Air Force. As prospects of relocation to a third country dimmed, the Indian government moved them to a confidential location in Delhi. Speculations suggest further relocations, though Indian authorities have maintained secrecy.
Security Considerations and the Road Ahead
After 100 days in India, questions naturally arise about Sheikh Hasina’s current status, security arrangements, and future prospects. The Indian government’s cautious approach underscores her geopolitical significance and the potential diplomatic sensitivity surrounding her extended stay.
With her presence intertwined with India’s regional strategy, what comes next for Sheikh Hasina remains uncertain. As history has shown, her journey in India has always been one of resilience and adaptation, a narrative that continues to unfold with each passing day.
