Dhaka Presses Delhi: New Letter Seeks Sheikh Hasina’s Return

Introduction

In a dramatic escalation of regional diplomacy, Bangladesh’s interim government has formally renewed its demand for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from neighbouring India. The fresh diplomatic note, dispatched to New Delhi this week, underlines Dhaka’s intent to see legal accountability for Hasina – and marks a key test in Bangladesh–India relations.

What’s going on?

On 17 November 2025, the International Crimes Tribunal‑1 (Bangladesh) (ICT) sentenced Hasina and her former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death for their alleged roles in the July-August uprising and for “crimes against humanity”. 
Shortly after the verdict, Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain confirmed that Dhaka has sent a “note verbale” to India requesting the repatriation of Hasina (and Kamal) under the countries’ extradition treaty. 
This is not the first request. Dhaka had previously asked for Hasina’s return, including a formal request in December 2024. 

Why now?

The timing is pivotal. With the ICT verdict now behind them, Bangladesh’s interim government argues the legal formalities are complete and the case for Hasina’s return is stronger. As one official put it: “The situation is different … the judicial process has been completed and they have been convicted.” 

The government also links the request to the bilateral extradition agreement with India, suggesting New Delhi has an “obligatory responsibility” to act. 

India’s response — or lack thereof

To date, India has publicly taken a cautious stance. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has acknowledged receiving the correspondence but has offered no clear commitment to comply. 
Analysts suggest that New Delhi is balancing a number of strategic concerns: diplomatic ties with Dhaka, regional stability, legal interpretations of the treaty, and perhaps internal political considerations. One piece noted: “India, as a friendly neighbour … should respect Bangladesh’s legal systems and return former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh,” while another piece contradicted that India might be “highly unlikely” to hand her over. 

Key legal and diplomatic issues

1. Extradition treaty obligations:

Bangladesh points to the existing treaty with India and claims India is legally bound to return Hasina now that she has been convicted. 
India may argue the matter involves legal and political intricacies—not simply “automatic” extradition. There could be questions around asylum, fair trial, political offence exemptions, or the status of Hasina’s stay in India.

2. Sovereignty and political implication:

For Dhaka, the demand signals that no one—including a former prime minister—can be above the law. The foreign ministry warned that sheltering individuals convicted for crimes against humanity would amount to “unfriendly behaviour” and a “travesty of justice”. 
For Delhi, acquiescing could set a precedent that might complicate regional diplomacy, cross-border asylum issues or domestic politics.

3. Regional stability:

Bangladesh–India ties have been under strain since the change of government in Dhaka and Hasina’s subsequent exit to India (in August 2024). A forced extradition could further rattle the relationship, while a refusal might embolden Dhaka’s rhetoric of India “interfering” or being “unsupportive”.

Why this matters

• For Bangladesh: It is a hallmark moment in post-uprising justice, signalling the interim government’s intention to root out past leadership’s impunity. How Dhaka handles Hasina’s case will shape its image both domestically and internationally.

• For India: The decision will reflect how New Delhi navigates its “Neighbourhood First” policy, treaty obligations, and its broader geopolitical balancing act, especially with relation to Bangladesh, China and regional alliances.

• For the region: This episode sits at the intersection of law, politics and diplomacy. It underscores how extradition demands, international crimes tribunals and cross-border politics converge in South Asia.

Possible outcomes

• India agrees and hands over Hasina: This would be a major diplomatic win for Dhaka, cementing accountability narratives. But it might create internal unrest in Bangladesh, given Hasina’s substantial support base, and could provoke retaliatory politics.

• India refuses or stalls: Inaction would leave Dhaka frustrated and could deepen bilateral mistrust. Bangladesh could escalate via international forums, perhaps seeking Interpol notices (though complexity is high) or linking the issue to broader bilateral negotiations.

• A mediated approach: India may propose a compromise—e.g., judicial cooperation without physical transfer, or conditions for extradition. This path might safeguard diplomatic relations while avoiding the sharpest consequences for either side.

What comes next?

Bangladesh’s next steps could include formal reminders under the treaty, public diplomatic statements, pressure at multilateral fora, or even linking the extradition demand with other bilateral issues like trade or security cooperation.
India will likely continue to evaluate its legal stance, weighing the treaty text, its own domestic legal standards, the risk of turning a friendly refuge into a diplomatic flash-point, and the broader strategic implications.
Meanwhile, observers will watch closely how media coverage, public opinion in both countries, and the reaction of Hasina’s supporters influence the unfolding saga.

#BangladeshPolitics #SheikhHasina #IndiaBangladesh #SouthAsiaNews #DiplomacyWatch