Ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been convicted of crimes against humanity and sentenced to death by a Bangladesh court. Currently residing in New Delhi since August 2024, following a significant student-led uprising, Hasina remains in self-imposed exile under the protection of Indian authorities. Dhaka has intensified its efforts, formally requesting India to extradite the former premier. However, as of mid-2025, India has yet to respond to these demands. Reports suggest some Indian officials are hesitant, fearing a negative global perception if extradition proceeds. Bangladesh insists that Hasina’s visa status in India is irrelevant to the extradition request. India has reportedly extended her visa, characterizing it as a ‘purely technical’ measure, not an indication of asylum. This legal fallout follows earlier convictions, including a six-month jail sentence in July 2025 for contempt of court, stemming from an alleged ‘license to kill’ statement. In June 2025, she was indicted on five charges of crimes against humanity, leading to the November 2025 death sentence in absentia. From exile, Hasina stated she would only return to Bangladesh for free and fair elections. She claims to live within ‘reasonable limits’ in Delhi. A second arrest warrant has been issued for alleged enforced disappearances during her tenure. Tensions persist between Bangladesh and India, with Dhaka eager to improve relations but awaiting action on the extradition. Internally, Bangladesh has seen unrest, including clashes and protests targeting Hasina-linked properties, while ‘Operation Devil Hunt’ has led to thousands of arrests. As of late 2025, Hasina remains in Delhi, with legal and diplomatic pressure mounting from Dhaka, while New Delhi maintains its stance. She has the option to appeal her conviction in Bangladesh’s Supreme Court.
