Is Sheikh Hasina's Extradition on the Table? India Reviews Bangladesh's Request

India Evaluates Bangladesh's Extradition Request for Sheikh Hasina

New Delhi: On Friday, Indian officials confirmed that they are currently reviewing the request from the Bangladeshi government regarding the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as part of ongoing legal and judicial procedures.

Sheikh Hasina, aged 78, has been residing in India since fleeing Dhaka after her government fell in August 2024 amid widespread anti-government protests.

During a recent visit to New Delhi, Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman discussed the extradition request with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

"This request is under examination as part of our ongoing judicial and internal legal processes. We aim to maintain constructive dialogue with all involved parties," stated Jaiswal during his weekly media briefing.

The previous administration, led by Muhammad Yunus, had sought India's assistance in extraditing Hasina, who was convicted of "crimes against humanity" due to her government's violent response to student-led protests.

Last year, the International Crimes Tribunal, a domestic war crimes court, sentenced Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death for their roles in the crackdown on anti-government demonstrations in 2024.

When asked about a recent law passed by Bangladesh's Parliament that may legitimize the ban on Hasina's Awami League party by the interim government, Jaiswal refrained from providing a direct answer, stating, "We closely monitor all developments."

Regarding the overall relationship between India and Bangladesh, Jaiswal emphasized India's commitment to constructive engagement with Dhaka.

"The External Affairs Minister has reiterated India's intention to foster a positive relationship with the new government in Dhaka and enhance bilateral cooperation," he added.

Relations between India and Bangladesh have faced challenges since the interim government took power following the collapse of Hasina's administration in August 2024.

Efforts to stabilize ties were initiated after Indian Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, along with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, attended the inauguration of Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Tarique Rahman as Prime Minister in Dhaka on February 17.

Rahman assumed office following a significant victory in the parliamentary elections.