What’s Next for Sheikh Hasina? India’s Stance on Extradition Raises Questions

The extradition of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina remains uncertain as India navigates legal processes. High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi emphasized that no timeline can be provided for her return, following her flight to India amid political turmoil. The situation has strained India-Bangladesh relations, particularly under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. As demands for Hasina's extradition continue, the diplomatic landscape remains tense, impacting Tarique Rahman's planned visit to India. This article delves into the implications of Hasina's situation on regional politics and international relations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 3, 2026, 20:19 IST

India's Position on Sheikh Hasina's Extradition

Dhaka: The Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, stated on Saturday that India cannot provide a timeline for the return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, as her extradition request is currently under legal review.

During a discussion hosted by a private think tank in Dhaka, Trivedi responded to inquiries regarding Bangladesh's repeated requests for Hasina's extradition, emphasizing that no one can specify a timeframe for her return.

Sheikh Hasina, aged 79, has been residing in India since fleeing Dhaka after her government fell in August 2024 amid widespread protests.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that the extradition request from Bangladesh is being processed according to established legal protocols.

Trivedi reiterated that the Indian government has consistently communicated that the process is legal and well-defined.

He clarified that Hasina was not transported to India by the Indian military; rather, she arrived on an aircraft from the Bangladesh Air Force on August 5, following the protests known as the July Uprising that led to her government's downfall.

At that time, Hasina was still serving as Bangladesh's prime minister, and the Indian government felt it had no option but to accept the situation, given the unfolding events.

Trivedi remarked on the tragic circumstances that led to Hasina's departure and expressed hope that such situations would not recur globally.

The comments made by Trivedi were the first direct remarks on Hasina's extradition, as he had previously refrained from discussing political matters.

Following the collapse of Hasina's government, an interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus took over on August 8, 2024, governing for the next 18 months.

During this interim period, relations between India and Bangladesh soured significantly.

Hasina was tried in absentia and sentenced to death by a special tribunal, while her Awami League party was disbanded, and the interim government sought her extradition through diplomatic channels.

After the February 12 elections, which barred the Awami League from participating, Tarique Rahman's Bangladesh Nationalist Party government continued to endorse the ban on Hasina's party and reiterated demands for her extradition.

The extradition matter has become a significant point of contention in India-Bangladesh relations, impacting Rahman's planned visit to New Delhi.

India had invited Rahman to the recent BRICS Summit, and a separate bilateral invitation had been extended since February.

However, Rahman declined the invitation to the BRICS outreach summit.

A virtual press conference held by Hasina in New Delhi on August 5 further complicated matters, with the Bangladesh foreign ministry stating that the atmosphere for Rahman's visit had been 'vitiated' by Hasina's media interaction.

India has maintained that it played no role in the media event involving Hasina and does not support any statements made about the Bangladesh government during that forum.

Despite the strained relations, Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Humaiun Kobir, expressed optimism about progress in discussions regarding Rahman's proposed visit to India after meeting with Trivedi, although no date has been set yet.