What’s Next for Sheikh Hasina? Bangladesh Completes Legal Steps for Her Return from India

Bangladesh's Legal Preparations for Sheikh Hasina's Return

Dhaka/New Delhi: Bangladesh has finalized all necessary legal actions to facilitate the return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India, with the next move now in the hands of New Delhi, as stated by Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman on Saturday, according to local news sources.

Asaduzzaman informed reporters at an event in Dhaka that the legal process from Bangladesh's side is complete, leaving the decision to India.

He emphasized that Hasina's return would occur through legal channels, asserting that her extradition under the existing bilateral treaty constitutes a legal procedure.

When questioned about Hasina's right to appeal her death sentence, he clarified that she would not have that option under current laws, as reported by Dhaka Tribune.

Regarding discussions between India and Bangladesh about relocating Hasina to a third country, the minister indicated that the Indian government would be the appropriate authority to address that inquiry.

Bangladesh has been pursuing Hasina's extradition since she fled the nation 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 and sentenced her to death on one count and life imprisonment on another. Hasina has consistently denied the allegations and the legitimacy of the trial.

Despite the transition to an elected government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in February, Bangladesh's demand for Hasina's extradition remains unchanged.

India has acknowledged the extradition requests from Bangladesh but has yet to make a definitive decision regarding her handover.

On Friday, a spokesperson from the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, reiterated that Hasina's extradition is a legal matter that will be handled appropriately.

He also expressed India's desire for a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh.

Hasina, now 79, has announced 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.

The relationship between the two nations has faced renewed tension following this press event, which prompted a strong response from Dhaka, with the Foreign Ministry expressing outrage over Hasina's media interaction in New Delhi despite prior concerns raised with the Indian government.

India, however, distanced itself from the event, clarifying that it was organized by a private media outlet and that the government had no involvement.

Dhaka has linked the progress of Hasina's extradition to a potential visit by PM Rahman to India, suggesting that New Delhi should expedite her return and address other fugitives sought by Bangladesh to foster a conducive atmosphere for the visit.

Although a consular dialogue between India and Bangladesh was scheduled for next week, it has been postponed.

Earlier this week, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Md Aminul Islam, stated that Hasina has no legal recourse left but to face the execution of her death sentence, dismissing the possibility of her being issued a passport or travel document.

His comments followed Hasina's request for a new passport and national identity card through a legal chamber based in London, which was submitted to the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi.

Bangladesh's Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed mentioned that the government is currently reviewing the authenticity and legal basis of Hasina's applications.

Nonetheless, the state minister for foreign affairs, Humaiun Kobir, reiterated that Dhaka would pursue Hasina's return from India strictly through the existing extradition treaty.