Hasina, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two neighbours. The interim government in Dhaka confirmed on Sunday that a letter had been sent to New Delhi, seeking the return of Hasina, who was sentenced to death earlier this week for her role in a violent crackdown on a student-led uprising.
Hasina, 78, has been in hiding in India since her government was toppled in August 2024, ending years of what critics described as increasingly autocratic rule. Despite once enjoying strong political backing from New Delhi, her downfall has placed India in a sensitive diplomatic position.
Touhid Hossain, Bangladesh’s acting foreign affairs chief, told reporters that the extradition request was submitted on Friday, marking the third formal appeal since Hasina fled the country. Local newspaper Prothom Alo reported that the letter reiterated Dhaka’s insistence that India is obligated under a bilateral treaty to facilitate Hasina’s return following her conviction for crimes against humanity.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it had “noted” the court verdict but offered no direct comment on the extradition request, nor has it publicly responded to the latest letter from Dhaka.
Bangladesh continues to grapple with political unrest following Hasina’s removal from power, with violence overshadowing preparations for the February 2026 national elections. According to United Nations estimates, up to 1,400 people were killed during state crackdowns as Hasina attempted to cling to authority—deaths that became central to her trial and subsequent sentencing.
Although India’s historical support for Hasina strained bilateral relations after her ouster, tensions eased slightly this week when Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman met Indian counterpart Ajit Doval during a regional security summit. Bangladeshi media reported that Rahman extended an invitation for Doval to visit Dhaka, suggesting a possible thaw in diplomatic engagement.
