Bangladesh Completes Legal Steps for Sheikh Hasina's Return from India
Legal Preparations for Sheikh Hasina's Extradition
File image of Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina(Photo: X)
Dhaka, Nov 14: Bangladesh has finalized all necessary legal procedures to facilitate the return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India, according to Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman on Saturday.
Asaduzzaman stated, "We have fulfilled all obligations on our end regarding the legal process. The next steps depend on India," while addressing reporters at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka, as reported by a local newspaper.
The minister emphasized that Hasina's return would occur through legal channels, asserting that her extradition under the existing bilateral treaty constitutes a legal process.
When questioned about Hasina's legal avenues for returning, he confirmed that she would follow the appropriate legal procedures.
Regarding her right to appeal against her death sentence, Asaduzzaman clarified that she would not have that option under the applicable laws, as reported by another local outlet.
In response to inquiries about whether India had discussed sending Hasina to a third country, the minister indicated that the Indian government would be the appropriate authority to address that matter.
Bangladesh has been pursuing Hasina's extradition since she fled to India in August 2024, following a student-led uprising that resulted in her government being overthrown.
In November 2025, Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal found Hasina guilty of crimes against humanity related to her actions during the protests in July-August 2024. She was tried in absentia and received a death sentence for one charge and life imprisonment for another. Hasina has denied the allegations and the legitimacy of the proceedings.
India has acknowledged the extradition requests from Bangladesh but has yet to make a decision regarding her handover.
On Friday, a spokesperson from the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, stated that Hasina's extradition is a legal issue that will be handled appropriately.
He added, "India aims for a positive, constructive, and forward-looking relationship with Bangladesh.”
At 79 years old, Hasina has expressed her intention to return to Bangladesh in December, a statement she made during a virtual press conference with journalists in New Delhi on August 5.