Here’s Why New Delhi Won’t Return Sheikh Hasina To Dhaka
Here’s Why New Delhi Won’t Return Sheikh Hasina To Dhaka
19/11/2025
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The charges and death sentence against Sheikh Hasina are politically motivated by Bangladesh's interim government. New Delhi views the case as an act of political revenge, which allows it to legally deny extradition under the bilateral treaty's "political offence" exception.
Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina
NEW DELHI, Nov 19: The death sentence issued against former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has sparked strong reactions across Bangladesh, especially among young protesters who suffered during last year’s violent crackdown. For University of Dhaka student Shima Akhter, whose friends were killed when security forces opened fire on demonstrators, the verdict delivered by the International Crimes Tribunal felt like long-awaited justice. The tribunal found Hasina guilty of crimes against humanity for ordering a brutal suppression of a nationwide student-led uprising that claimed nearly 1,400 lives, according to UN estimates. However, many, like Akhter, say that true justice will only be served when Hasina is brought back to Dhaka to face punishment.
Hasina, however, remains beyond Bangladesh’s reach. She fled to India in August 2024 as protesters stormed her official residence, and she has lived in exile in New Delhi ever since. Her presence there has become the most contentious issue between the neighbouring countries, with Bangladesh repeatedly demanding her extradition under a bilateral treaty. Dhaka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has escalated its rhetoric, calling India’s continued protection of Hasina a “highly unfriendly act” and insisting New Delhi has an “obligatory responsibility” to return her following her conviction.
But India has made it clear—directly and through officials and analysts—that it will not hand over Sheikh Hasina, citing three decisive reasons. First, the India–Bangladesh extradition treaty includes an exception for offences deemed “political in nature,” and New Delhi believes Hasina’s prosecution is driven by political vengeance under the interim government. Second, India views Bangladesh’s current leadership as hostile; Interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus and protest leaders have repeatedly criticised New Delhi. Extraditing Hasina, therefore, would strengthen political forces India considers “anti-India.” Third, Hasina has been India’s closest ally for decades, cooperating extensively on security, counterterrorism and regional strategy. Returning her to face execution would be seen as a betrayal of a long-standing partner and undermine India’s credibility with its allies.
These tensions have dramatically altered the once-strong India–Bangladesh relationship, which flourished under Hasina’s rule through deep economic and strategic cooperation. While India has reiterated that it remains committed to the welfare of the Bangladeshi people, officials acknowledge that ties will remain strained as long as Dhaka demands Hasina’s extradition. Analysts say the situation may stabilise only after Bangladesh’s upcoming elections, which could produce a government India finds easier to engage with. For now, Hasina’s continued stay in New Delhi remains the central obstacle in bilateral relations—one that is unlikely to be resolved soon, as India balances diplomatic pragmatism, geopolitical interests and loyalty to a former ally.
