Sheikh Hasina Extradition Row: New Delhi Sets Conditions for Her Return to Bangladesh

India Sets Two Demands for Sheikh Hasina’s Return to Bangladesh Amid Extradition Tensions: Report

India has reportedly proposed two key conditions to Bangladesh for resolving the issue of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s return, as her continued stay in New Delhi becomes a sensitive diplomatic matter between the neighbouring countries.

According to a BBC Bangla report, New Delhi wants the Bangladesh Army to arrange Hasina’s return on a military aircraft and ensure that she gets a fair opportunity to challenge her death sentence through an appeal and face a fresh trial.

Hasina has been residing in India since August 5, 2024, when she left Bangladesh following the mass uprising against her government. A Bangladeshi court subsequently sentenced her to death over the deadly crackdown on protesters during the July 2024 unrest.

Despite the verdict, Hasina has indicated that she plans to return to Bangladesh in December 2026. She recently approached the Bangladeshi authorities for a new passport, but her request was turned down. Dhaka maintained that, as a convicted individual, she should be extradited rather than issued a passport.

TWO CONDITIONS INDIA HAS REPORTEDLY PUT FORWARD

The first reported demand from India concerns the arrangements for Hasina’s return. New Delhi wants the Bangladesh Army to take responsibility for transporting the former prime minister, preferably in a military aircraft.

The proposal would mirror her departure from Dhaka on August 5, 2024, when she arrived in India aboard a Bangladesh military aircraft after resigning amid escalating protests.

India’s second condition relates to the legal proceedings awaiting Hasina in Bangladesh. The BBC Bangla report said New Delhi wants assurances that she will be allowed to appeal her death sentence and receive a fresh trial in connection with the allegations arising from the July 2024 killings.

The legal assurance is particularly important given that Hasina could face arrest and imprisonment immediately upon returning to her home country.

WHY HAS HASINA’S STAY IN INDIA BECOME A DIPLOMATIC CHALLENGE?

The former prime minister’s presence in New Delhi has reportedly complicated India’s relationship with Bangladesh. Her conviction and the international attention surrounding the crackdown on protesters have also increased scrutiny of India’s decision to provide her refuge.

According to the BBC Bangla report, New Delhi is now interested in finding a solution to the issue rather than allowing it to remain a continuing source of diplomatic friction.

India had previously explored the possibility of Hasina relocating to a third country. However, attempts to find a suitable destination reportedly failed after discussions with several countries did not lead to an agreement.

With the issue continuing to affect bilateral relations, India is reportedly looking at ways to facilitate her return while addressing concerns surrounding her safety and legal treatment.

HAS SHEIKH HASINA CONFIRMED HER RETURN DATE?

Hasina has consistently expressed her desire to return to Bangladesh. In an interview with Reuters, she said she intended to go back in December 2026, although she did not provide a specific date.

She acknowledged that returning could expose her to arrest, imprisonment and even threats to her life. However, she maintained that she was prepared to face those possibilities.

Recalling her political journey, Hasina said she had returned to Bangladesh in 1981 despite military rule and again in 2007, when a military-backed administration was in power.

She also spoke about her previous experiences of imprisonment and repeated attempts on her life, saying that concerns about her personal security would not prevent her from returning.

The reported Indian conditions underline the complicated diplomatic and legal questions surrounding Hasina’s future. Whether Dhaka is willing to consider these proposals remains a key factor in determining the next stage of the matter.