BNP Signals Legal Move to Bring Back Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India

Dhaka: After the massive victory in the recently announced general election results in Bangladesh, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has made its political priorities clear. As BNP marches towards power, it has once again demanded the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The party said that the former prime minister should be brought back from India and face the ongoing issues in Bangladesh. This demand raised just before the formation of the new government has increased the discussion in diplomatic circles.

Why did BNP raise this issue immediately after the elections?

BNP leaders say that this matter is not new. The party has been talking about the return of Sheikh Hasina earlier also. The purpose of raising it again after the election victory is to show that the party stands by its old stand and wants to take the legal process forward.

Is Sheikh Hasina still in India?

A big mass movement took place in Bangladesh in August 2024. After this Sheikh Hasina had to step down from the post of Prime Minister. When the situation in the country deteriorated, he had to leave Bangladesh. After this he took refuge in India. Since then Sheikh Hasina has been living in New Delhi. His name has been continuously associated with controversies in Bangladesh politics.

What case is going on against Hasina?

A special tribunal had convicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during a hearing in 2025 in cases related to violence and alleged repression during the 2024 movement. The court had sentenced him in a case of crimes against humanity. This decision has remained a major issue of political debate ever since.

What does BNP want to say regarding relations with India?

Salahuddin Ahmed made it clear that the demand for extradition does not mean conflict with India. He said that BNP wants relations based on respect and equality with all neighboring countries including India. The party claims that it will adopt a balanced foreign policy.

Why did Awami League stay out of the elections?

This election was conducted for the first time after the 2024 movement. The interim government did not allow Awami League to contest the elections. The government's argument was that the party's role was being investigated. BNP says that the public had already rejected the Awami League.

Will this issue affect India-Bangladesh relations?

Political experts believe that the extradition of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is a sensitive matter. The challenge before the new BNP government in the country will be how it balances between domestic pressure and international relations. There are speculations that this issue may become an important part of the talks between the two countries in the coming days.