Bangladesh has formally asked India to send back former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after a special tribunal handed her a death sentence for “crimes against humanity.”
The move marks the most serious diplomatic pressure yet since Hasina fled to India during last year’s mass uprising. Dhaka says India must return her under the bilateral extradition treaty, while New Delhi has not yet publicly responded.
Bangladesh Writes to India for Sheikh Hasina’s Extradition
Bangladesh’s foreign ministry has written to the Indian government, requesting the immediate handover of Sheikh Hasina. The ministry referred to her as a “fugitive accused” and said India has a legal duty to cooperate under the existing extradition agreement.
In its letter, Bangladesh said it was an “obligatory responsibility” for India to help return Hasina so she can face the punishment issued by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).
The letter also carried a strong warning to any country offering shelter to her.
“Providing refuge to these individuals, who have been convicted of crimes against humanity, by any other country would be a highly unfriendly act and a disregard for justice,” the letter from the foreign ministry of Bangladesh read.
Officials said the request follows the tribunal’s verdict earlier in the day.
Tribunal Sentences Hasina and Former Home Minister to Death
The ICT-BD found Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal guilty on multiple counts linked to the violent crackdown on students in 2024. The tribunal said the actions amounted to “crimes against humanity.”
Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun was also found guilty. However, he received a lighter punishment after he admitted responsibility and turned state’s witness.
Dhaka argues that since the three leaders have been convicted, India is obligated to act under the extradition treaty.
Why is Sheikh Hasina in India?
Sheikh Hasina has been living in India since August 2024. She left Bangladesh after a massive student-led uprising forced her government out of power. The protests, which intensified in July, accused her administration of abuse of power, police excesses, and suppression of dissent.
After her ouster, she travelled to India and remains in self-exile. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, earlier confirmed she is in a secure location in Delhi.
According to him, India continues to provide full protection. Hasina herself expressed gratitude for India’s support.
“I must add that I am deeply grateful to the Indian people for providing me with a haven this past year,” Hasina earlier wrote in emailed responses to HT.
Hasina Defied Court Orders
Bangladesh’s court had ordered Hasina to return to the country and attend her trial. She did not comply. The tribunal proceeded with the case in her absence. It concluded that she was responsible for decisions that led to deadly violence during last year’s uprising.
The 78-year-old leader has rejected the charges, calling the trial unfair and politically motivated.
