External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday said that the continued stay of Sheikh Hasina depends on the “certain circumstance” under which she arrived in India in August last year. Speaking at a Leadership Summit, Jaishankar was asked whether Hasina would be allowed to remain in India indefinitely. He replied, “That’s a different issue, isn’t it?”
He pointed out that Hasina, who fled to New Delhi after violent student protests and the collapse of her government, had come to India under specific conditions.
“And, you know, I think that circumstance clearly sort of is a factor in what happens to her. But again, that is something which she has to make up her mind,” he added.
Death Sentence For Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh
On November 17, a Bangladesh tribunal court sentenced Hasina to death, ruling her guilty of committing “crimes against humanity” during the 2024 student uprising.
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The court also handed a death sentence to former interior minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who cooperated with investigators and pleaded guilty in July, received a five-year prison term.
Following the verdict, Hasina rejected all allegations, calling the judgment “rigged”, “politically motivated” and delivered by a “kangaroo court.”
Bangladesh Invokes Extradition Treaty, Seeks Sheikh Hasina’s Return
After the sentencing, Bangladesh formally requested India to extradite Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, arguing that New Delhi was obligated under the existing extradition treaty.
India acknowledged the developments, noting the verdict delivered in Dhaka. In its statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “As a close neighbour, India remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including in peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country.”
Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
