Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, recently sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka for crimes against humanity, remains in India, sparking tensions between the two South Asian neighbours. Despite Bangladesh’s repeated requests, New Delhi shows no signs of handing her over.
Hasina, 78, fled Bangladesh in August 2024 after a nationwide uprising, triggered by brutal crackdowns on student protests and opposition groups. The International Crimes Tribunal found her guilty of ordering deadly suppression of demonstrators, resulting in numerous deaths and disappearances. While the verdict marked a significant moment for many in Bangladesh, including University of Dhaka student Shima Akhter, justice remains incomplete without Hasina’s presence in Dhaka.
Analysts say India is unlikely to extradite Hasina due to several political and diplomatic considerations. Former Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty noted the difficulty of “pushing her towards her death,” highlighting New Delhi’s reluctance to directly involve itself in Dhaka’s internal judicial matters.
India has historically maintained a cautious approach toward politically sensitive figures in neighbouring countries. While New Delhi may seek to engage with a post-Hasina Bangladesh, directly handing over the former prime minister could be seen as a highly unfriendly act, potentially destabilizing bilateral relations and impacting India’s regional strategy.
Hasina, Bangladesh’s longest-serving prime minister, led the country for over two decades, overseeing both economic growth and a hardline approach against opposition parties. Her tenure saw rapid GDP growth and rising per capita income, but was marred by allegations of extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and political suppression.
The current standoff underscores the complex geopolitics between India and Bangladesh. While Dhaka seeks justice for crimes committed under Hasina’s rule, New Delhi is unlikely to become the executioner’s hand, leaving her future in India uncertain and tensions between the two nations high.
