Amid swirling rumours regarding the whereabouts of exiled Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has firmly dismissed claims that she has left the country.
The speculation, fuelled by misinformation from Awami League-aligned sources, suggested that Hasina had relocated to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
However, the MEA’s spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, quashed these reports, stating, “Hasina still in India,” reiterating the government’s previous stance on her presence for safety reasons.
The misinformation surfaced after the ousted leader’s departure from Bangladesh following the violent Monsoon Revolution, during which thousands of students and protesters were killed or injured in clashes with government forces.
The Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has since issued a warrant for Hasina's arrest, accusing her of crimes against humanity in connection with the unrest.
MEA confirms Hasina’s safety in India
In a press briefing last Thursday, Jaiswal stressed that Hasina remains safely in India. He sidestepped questions about the recent ICT arrest warrant, refusing to comment on the tribunal's ongoing proceedings.
"We are aware of reports concerning the ICT's actions, but it would be inappropriate to speculate on matters that are before the tribunal," Jaiswal stated, leaving the door open for future developments.
However, he reiterated that India is committed to Hasina’s security, noting that the threats to her life have been taken seriously.
The MEA has previously stated that Hasina arrived in India at "short notice for safety reasons" and that the Indian government continues to prioritise her protection.
Plea for safety rejected
In recent developments, an Indian journalist with close ties to the National Security Council revealed that Hasina had requested permission to stay with her daughter, Saima Wazed (Putul), who serves as the South East Asia Regional Director for the World Health Organisation (WHO). Based in New Delhi, Putul was reportedly approached by Hasina for temporary refuge.
However, the request was rejected by Ajit Doval, India’s National Security Advisor. His office reportedly emphasised that the risk to Hasina's life was too significant to allow such an arrangement, citing safety and security concerns.
“The Indian government would not compromise on security issues. Her safety is a high priority, and we will take all necessary precautions,” said an official close to the matter.
Extradition uncertain, but possible
Speculation surrounding Hasina's extradition to Bangladesh has intensified following the ICT’s arrest warrant. The tribunal is investigating her role in the violent suppression of the Monsoon Revolution, a 36-day period of protests and unrest in which government forces were accused of widespread human rights abuses.
Despite the legal pressure, India's stance on extraditing Hasina remains uncertain. Officials have indicated that any decision would likely be delayed until the ICT delivers a final verdict, and an appeal is heard by the Appellate Division of Bangladesh’s Supreme Court.
Should the ICT convict Hasina, it is expected that the Interim Government of Bangladesh, led by Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus, will formally request her extradition.
The international community, however, has raised concerns about the fairness of the tribunal proceedings, with some observers arguing that the trials are politically motivated.
Global implications
India’s response to any formal extradition request will likely be scrutinised on the global stage. Observers have suggested that if Delhi refuses to comply, the case could be transferred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. Such a move would place significant diplomatic pressure on India to cooperate with the international justice system.
In the meantime, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is preparing to submit a report on the violence during the Monsoon Revolution.
This report could play a crucial role in shaping the ICT’s final verdict and the international community's stance on the issue.
Once the OHCHR’s findings are submitted to Dr Yunus, the ICT is expected to proceed with its hearings, potentially leading to a formal conviction. Should the tribunal’s decision be upheld in the higher courts, the Interim Government will likely press ahead with its bid to have Hasina returned to Bangladesh to face justice.
However, if India continues to resist extradition, Dr Yunus is expected to make a global appeal, urging the international community to press for her deportation.
With the ICC as a possible final destination, the stakes for Sheikh Hasina’s future—and India's role in her fate—are higher than ever.
Follow us
