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Security agencies are gearing up for both the short and long-term stay of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in India amid the ongoing violent protests and unrest in the neighbouring country, sources told. Officials have indicated that India is preparing for the possibility of hosting her for an extended period, given the international opposition she faces.
The Indian government is working on securing asylum for the 77-year-old Awami League chief in a European country, but her travel plan has hit a roadblock over some 'uncertainties' and she is unlikely to move out of India for the next few days, sources added.
The security agencies' drills also included preparations for Hasina's possible meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, detailing where and how such an encounter would take place.
National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval is closely monitoring the situation and giving regular updates to PM Modi about Sheikh Hasina's stay plans and over her possible asylum in a European country.
Hasina, who landed at the Hindon airbase on August 5 in a C-130J military transport aircraft, is currently residing in a facility nearby, but will be relocated to a more spacious and secure location, sources added.
The Indian government is extending all the protocols befitting a Prime Minister or Head of State to Sheikh Hasina.
"The Air Force and security agencies have conducted special drills from Hindon Air Base to Safdarjung and Palam airports in Delhi, considering potential long-term arrangements for Sheikh Hasina's stay," sources said.
Meanwhile, sources also informed that National Security Guard (NSG) commandos have been deployed for Sheikh Hasina's internal security, while Garud commandos of the Air Force are managing external security at Hindon airbase.
It is speculated that London is the most-preferred final destination for Sheikh Hasina. This speculation is strengthened by the presence of her niece, Tulip Siddiq, who resides in north London. Siddiq, the daughter of UK passport holder Sheikh Rehana, serves as a Labour Party Member of Parliament representing Hampstead and Highgate and holds the position of junior minister in the Treasury department.
However, it is also noteworthy that as per asylum procedures, those who need international protection should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach as the fastest route to safety, indicating Sheikh Hasina's extended stay in India.
The death toll in the anti-government protests in Bangladesh on Tuesday climbed to 440, with 100 more deaths reported after Hasina fled the country. However, local media reported efforts were on by the Army to bring the situation under control in the violence-hit nation.
