Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has been in a safe house near Delhi for over 24 hours after fleeing her country due to violent protests. She is expected to stay in India for up to 48 more hours while deciding where to seek asylum.

Hasina arrived at Hindon airbase near Delhi on Monday evening. Initially, it was thought she might apply for asylum in the UK since her sister is a British citizen. However, UK officials have said that Hasina won’t be granted asylum because there’s no rule allowing someone to come to the UK specifically to ask for asylum. They suggest that people should apply for asylum in the first safe country they reach, which could mean she might stay in New Delhi.

In 1975, Hasina took refuge in India after a family massacre, living under a false identity in Delhi for six years. This time, however, her situation is different. She is facing protests and accusations of being a dictator who suppressed free speech and cracked down on opponents. Unlike before, there’s no widespread support for her in Bangladesh now.

India has been supportive of Hasina in the past, but taking her in might be tricky. It could be seen as India taking sides in the Bangladesh crisis, which might stir up anti-India sentiments and create issues along India’s border with Bangladesh. Islamist groups in Bangladesh, who have been involved in the protests, might view India’s support as meddling.

Hasina's team is exploring other asylum options, and she might move to Europe within the next 48 hours. The Indian government is working on arrangements for her next steps.