Bangladesh’s special tribunal has delivered a sweeping and controversial verdict against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, sentencing her to death for crimes against humanity linked to the 2024 student protests. The ruling marks the toughest judgment ever issued against a Bangladeshi leader. Hasina, however, is outside the country and has been living in India since her government collapsed last year, leaving a major question hanging over the region: can or will India send her back?
What Bangladesh Said After the Verdict
After the decision, Bangladesh quickly requested that India return Sheikh Hasina. The interim government said the extradition treaty between the two countries requires India to hand her over. Dhaka argued that the crimes for which she was convicted are not political and therefore cannot be exempt under the treaty. Officials also warned that refusing to extradite her would harm Bangladesh’s justice process. The government made it clear that it would keep pressing India until Hasina is returned.
What India Said in Response
India confirmed it received Bangladesh’s formal request but chose not to reveal its position. Officials said only that Hasina came to India for safety and continues to stay for that reason. New Delhi stated it wants peace and stability in Bangladesh but gave no timeline for a decision. India is now reviewing whether the charges are political, whether the trial was fair, and whether Hasina would be safe if returned. Until that assessment is complete, her future remains unclear, and diplomatic tension continues to rise.
