Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
New Delhi, Nov 18, 2025 – In a bid to foster peace and democracy, India has pledged to engage constructively with stakeholders in Dhaka following the controversial death sentence issued in absentia against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This development comes after Bangladesh’s interim government formally requested that India extradite Hasina, who has been in exile since August 5 of last year amidst a student-led uprising.
Sheikh Hasina and her former home minister, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, were convicted by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal for serious offences including crimes against humanity. The ruling, sentencing Hasina to death for allegedly orchestrating attacks on protesters, has ignited significant unrest throughout Bangladesh, leading her party, Awami League, to call for a national shutdown in protest.
The Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry has urged India to promptly extradite Hasina and Khan, invoking the bilateral extradition treaty which they argue requires New Delhi’s cooperation. Their statement warns that providing refuge to those convicted of such crimes might be interpreted as an unfriendly gesture and a denial of justice.
India has, however, adopted a cautious position. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) acknowledged the verdict yet stopped short of committing to the extradition, focusing instead on the necessity to act in the best interests of Bangladesh's populace. “As a close neighbour, India is dedicated to the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people, emphasizing peace, democracy, and stability. We will engage constructively with all stakeholders for these goals,” the MEA stated.
Legal analysts suggest that extraditing Hasina is improbable due to Indian law and specific provisions in the bilateral treaty that allow for discretion. Despite allowing for the transfer of fugitives under the 2013 India-Bangladesh Extradition Treaty, the treaty establishes crucial safeguards concerning dual criminality and protections against politically charged extradition requests. India retains the right to refuse extradition if charges are viewed as unjust or politically motivated, or if the accused risks facing unfair prosecution at home.
The Indian Extradition Act of 1962 further grants the government the authority to reject extradition requests deemed trivial or lacking legitimacy. Section 29 permits the Center to halt extradition processes if certain conditions are met.
Sheikh Hasina, aged 78, has publicly criticized the verdict, deeming it politically motivated, and claims her actions were intended to avoid loss of life during the unrest. Lacking the option to appeal unless surrendering or being arrested within 30 days, her future remains precarious.
As diplomatic tensions escalate, India’s strategic position highlights a balance between maintaining stability in the region and upholding its legal freedoms under both international and domestic law. Analysts believe the situation illustrates the intricate relationship among geopolitics, justice, and humanitarian issues in South Asia, especially as India manages its partnership with Bangladesh while honoring its sovereignty.
The upcoming days are expected to be pivotal as New Delhi continues its dialogue with Dhaka, ensuring that their bilateral relations remain constructive while assessing the legal and political implications tied to Hasina’s extradition request.
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