Bangladesh Seeks Extradition of Death-Row Convict Sheikh Hasina

The Government of Bangladesh has formally requested that India extradite Sheikh Hasina, the ousted Prime Minister who has lived in self-imposed exile in New Delhi since August 2024. Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia in November by a war-crimes tribunal for ordering a deadly crackdown on a 2024 student-led uprising that resulted in 1,400 deaths.

Hasina announced plans to return to Dhaka in December to surrender in court alongside other colleagues from her now-banned Awami League party. Despite expressing fear that she may be killed upon her return, she stated a desire to face justice on her own soil. The current administration, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, reacted with mixed tones to the announcement. Information Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman stated the government would welcome her return to ensure a transparent trial, though he emphasized that the public wants her death penalty upheld.

Conversely, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam dismissed the plan as an attempt to mobilize fugitives, asserting that Hasina is a convicted criminal who will be imprisoned immediately upon arrival. The Ministry of External Affairs of India maintained a cautious stance, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal describing the extradition as a legal issue and stating that India's approach to the matter remains unchanged.