NEW DELHI – India is assessing a formal request from Bangladesh seeking the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been residing in India since her government was toppled amid mass protests in August 2024.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on Wednesday that Dhaka’s request — initially submitted in December and reiterated this month — is under review as part of India’s internal judicial and legal processes. The renewed appeal followed a Bangladeshi court’s decision earlier this week, sentencing Hasina to death on charges related to the killing of student demonstrators last year.
Bangladesh’s foreign ministry stated that New Delhi has a “binding responsibility” under a bilateral treaty to facilitate Hasina’s return. The 78-year-old leader, who had enjoyed India’s support during her tenure, has remained in hiding in India since her ouster.
Bangladesh has been facing heightened political instability since the collapse of Hasina’s administration, with violence disrupting campaigns ahead of elections expected in February 2026. According to the United Nations, nearly 1,400 people were killed in state crackdowns as Hasina attempted to hold on to power — incidents that formed a key part of the prosecution’s case against her.
The turmoil strained relations between the two neighbours, although diplomatic engagement appeared to ease tensions this week. Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman visited New Delhi for a regional security summit, where he met Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.
The media reports in Dhaka suggested that Rahman invited Doval to visit Bangladesh as part of ongoing efforts to stabilise bilateral ties.
