A recent verdict from a Bangladesh court has seen former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina convicted of crimes against humanity and sentenced to death. Hasina is currently residing in New Delhi, India, having sought refuge there since August 2024 amid a widespread student-led protest movement that led to her ousting. Despite intense legal and political pressure from Dhaka for her return, her stay in India continues under the protection of local authorities. Bangladesh has formally requested India’s cooperation in extraditing the former leader, but as of mid-2025, no official response has been given. Reports suggest some Indian officials are hesitant to comply, fearing it could set a negative international precedent. Dhaka insists that Hasina’s visa status in India is irrelevant to its extradition demands, while India has reportedly extended her visa, clarifying it as a technicality rather than an asylum grant. Further legal challenges compound her situation; in July 2025, she received a six-month jail sentence for contempt of court, stemming from an alleged leaked audio recording where she discussed having a “license to kill.” Earlier, in June 2025, she was formally indicted on five charges related to the 2024 uprising, including incitement and conspiracy. The death sentence for these grave offenses was handed down in absentia on November 17, 2025. From her New Delhi base, Hasina has indicated a willingness to return to Bangladesh, but only if the country holds free, fair, and inclusive elections. She maintains her current living situation in Delhi is within reasonable limits. The legal storm also includes a second arrest warrant for alleged enforced disappearances during her previous 15-year tenure. Relations between Bangladesh and India remain delicate, with Dhaka expressing a desire for improved ties while awaiting action on the extradition request. Domestically, Bangladesh has experienced significant unrest in 2025, including clashes between pro-Hasina supporters and security forces. Protests have targeted properties associated with her, such as her former residence. Concurrently, a large-scale operation has led to thousands of arrests, many believed to be her supporters. As of late 2025, Sheikh Hasina remains in exile in New Delhi, protected by Indian security. Her legal recourse includes appealing the conviction in Bangladesh’s Supreme Court, though India’s resistance to extradition adds a layer of complexity. She continues to engage politically from afar, asserting her return hinges on democratic principles, while her party faces mounting domestic challenges.
