Bangladesh says legal process complete for Sheikh Hasina’s return, awaits India’s decision

DHAKA, Nov 15: Bangladesh has completed all legal procedures required to secure the return of ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina from India, with the final decision on her extradition now resting with New Delhi, Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman said.

“We have completed everything required from our side as part of the legal process. What they [India] will do is up to them,” Asaduzzaman told reporters in Dhaka on Saturday, according to Bangladeshi media reports.

The minister said Hasina would return through legal means under the bilateral extradition treaty between Bangladesh and India.

Bangladesh has repeatedly sought Hasina’s extradition after she fled to India in August 2024 following a student-led uprising that toppled her government.

Hasina was subsequently tried in absentia and sentenced to death in November 2025 by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal in a crimes against humanity case linked to the deadly crackdown on protesters during the 2024 uprising.

When asked whether Hasina would have an opportunity to appeal the death sentence, Asaduzzaman said she would not be entitled to do so under the relevant legal provisions, according to the Dhaka Tribune and Prothom Alo. The issue has remained a major point in the legal and diplomatic debate surrounding her possible return.

Asked about reports of possible discussions involving her transfer to a third country, the law minister said the Indian government would be in a position to answer that question.

India has acknowledged Bangladesh’s extradition requests but has not publicly announced a final decision on whether it will hand Hasina over to Dhaka. Indian officials have described the matter as one involving legal procedures.

The developments come amid renewed attention to Hasina’s possible return after reports that she intends to return to Bangladesh in December. Questions have also arisen over reports concerning passport and national identity documentation.

Bangladesh’s demand for Hasina’s extradition has continued to strain relations between Dhaka and New Delhi, while Bangladeshi authorities insist that her return must take place through the legal process under the existing bilateral extradition treaty.