US reportedly revoked visa of former Bangladeshi PM

WASHINGTON: The United States (US) reportedly revoked the visa of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina following her abrupt exit from Bangladesh amid political unrest.

Hasina resigned on Monday and arrived in India later that day, where she now faces challenges in her travel plans.

Read more: Who is Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s interim leader?

Sources confirm the visa revocation, but official details remain undisclosed due to privacy regulations. A US embassy spokesperson in Dhaka stated that visa records are confidential.

Hasina landed at Hindon Airbase in India at 5:36 pm local time, accompanied by her sister Sheikh Rehana. Although she initially intended to travel to London from New Delhi, her plans were disrupted due to potential legal issues in the United Kingdom (UK).

It is unclear if she will proceed to the UK with her sister, who is a UK citizen.

Hasina’s resignation followed widespread protests over January elections, which were criticized by the US for alleged irregularities and violence. The US had previously advised against travel to Bangladesh due to civil unrest and urged the government to allow peaceful protests.

Read more: Sheikh Hasina won’t return to politics, says son

An interim government is being established in Bangladesh under Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus, who has agreed to lead the administration and oversee upcoming elections.

Meanwhile, the Bangladeshi President Shahabuddin Ahmed dissolved the parliament. He is also reportedly making efforts to release detainees from recent protests.