Bangladesh Seeks Extradition of Sheikh Hasina from India After Death Sentence

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Bangladesh has officially sought the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India following her death sentence handed down by the International Crimes Tribunal. The request has ignited a significant diplomatic dispute, as India is not obligated to comply under the current extradition treaty.

Background of the Case

  • Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s longest-serving Prime Minister, was ousted from power in 2024 following massive student-led protests.
  • In November 2025, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Dhaka sentenced her to death in absentia, accusing her of crimes against humanity during the crackdown on protests against her government
  • Hasina fled to India in August 2024, where she has been residing since her removal from office.

Bangladesh’s Extradition Request

  • Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry issued a formal communication to New Delhi, calling Hasina a “fugitive accused”
  • The ministry cited the 2013 India-Bangladesh Extradition Treaty, arguing that India has an “obligatory responsibility” to hand her over.
  • “Dhaka cautioned that granting refuge to individuals convicted of crimes against humanity would constitute a deeply unfriendly gesture and a blatant disregard for justice.

India’s Legal Position

  • Experts note that India is not legally bound to extradite Hasina despite the treaty.
  • The treaty includes exceptions, particularly in cases where:
    • The accused faces the death penalty.
    • The case is deemed politically motivated.

Diplomatic Implications

  • The request has created a diplomatic quandary for India:
    • Extraditing Hasina could strain India’s image as a regional protector of democratic leaders.
    • Refusing extradition risks tensions with Dhaka, which insists on justice for alleged crimes
  • The case is unprecedented, as this is the first time Bangladesh has sentenced a former Prime Minister to death

Key Takeaways

  • Sheikh Hasina sentenced to death by Bangladesh’s ICT for crimes against humanity.
  • Bangladesh demands extradition from India under the 2013 treaty.
  • India likely to refuse, citing treaty exceptions for death penalty and political cases.
  • The issue could reshape India-Bangladesh relations, testing regional diplomacy and justice frameworks.

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