Bangladesh has renewed its demand for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, even as India maintains a studied silence and signals, privately, that it has no intention of handing her over to the Mohammad Yunus–led interim administration.
Dhaka on Sunday wrote a letter to Delhi mentioning the bilateral extradition treaty between the two countries, which India is yet to acknowledge.
On November 17, citing the Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)’s verdict sentencing Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death for crimes against humanity, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement seeking the former Prime Minister’s return. The statement also invoked the bilateral extradition treaty, asserting that India is “obligated” to transfer individuals convicted by the tribunal. Dhaka had previously sent two diplomatic notes—on December 20 and 27 last year—pressing the same demand, neither of which drew a reply from India.
Following the verdict, the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry said that sheltering individuals convicted by the tribunal would be “extremely unfriendly behaviour” and a “travesty of justice”. However, India’s External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal avoided direct comment on the trial or the sentencing, reiterating instead that India remains committed to “peace, democracy, inclusion, stability and the best interests of the people of Bangladesh.”
Despite this public neutrality, senior Indian foreign and home ministry officials indicate that New Delhi has no plans to extradite Hasina, who has been in India since fleeing Bangladesh amid political upheaval last year. Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser, Khalilur Rahman, who visited Delhi this week for the Colombo Security Conclave, reportedly received a clear glimpse of India’s position during his private meeting with Indian NSA Ajit Doval a day before the summit.
Also Read: Ex-PM Hasina sentenced to death for ‘crimes against humanity’
The confidential Doval–Khalilur engagement has added fresh intrigue to the diplomatic standoff, especially as Dhaka steps up pressure while India weighs regional stability and its own strategic interests. Whether India will officially respond to the latest letter from Dhaka remains uncertain, though multiple officials insist that Hasina’s extradition “is highly unlikely”.
Under the ICT’s November 17 ruling, the death sentence must be carried out within a month unless the accused file an appeal with the Appellate Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court. Senior Awami League figures, however, say Hasina will not appeal, describing the tribunal as “illegal” and arguing that her legal position will remain strong even without one. They point to the precedent of BNP leader Tarique Zia, whose multiple convictions—including a life sentence—were overturned this year despite his never appearing before Bangladeshi courts since 2008.
Also Read: Sheikh Hasina death sentence is illegal: Sources
Meanwhile, Dhaka has moved to reinforce the tribunal’s capacity. On November 19, British lawyers Toby Cadman and Anastasya Medveskaya arrived in the Bangladeshi capital to assist the International Crimes Tribunal. Cadman, a special adviser to the tribunal’s Chief Prosecutor, has extensive experience in international criminal law, extradition, and judicial reform. Medveskaya, who has represented the Russian Federation before the International Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights, also specialises in complex extradition matters.
Their arrival coincided with a flurry of military-linked engagements. Five Pakistan Army officers attended Armed Forces Day celebrations at Senakunjo on November 21. Also arriving in Dhaka that day was Lieutenant General Shakir Ullah Khattak, Chairman of Pakistan’s Heavy Industries Taxila and a former ISI senior official, adding another layer to an already sensitive regional scenario.
With international lawyers entering the fray, Pakistan’s growing visibility in Dhaka, and India quietly firming its stance, the pressure surrounding Hasina’s fate appears primed to intensify.
Also Read: India flags rising security concerns in Doval–B’desh NSA talks
Follow us
