Bangladesh seeks Hasina’s extradition in Jaishankar meeting, India unmoved

Dhaka: Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman reached New Delhi on a three-day visit. He had dinner with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and talked about better relations between the two countries. This is considered to be the first major diplomatic visit after a stretch of 18 months. Rehman met Foreign Minister S. Also met Jaishankar. The purpose of the visit was to bring relations back on track, but the real thing that stood out the most was Sheikh Hasina.

What is the reason for demanding Sheikh Hasina's return?

On 17 November 2025, a special court in Dhaka convicted Sheikh Hasina of serious crimes against humanity and sentenced her to death. After this, the interim government of Bangladesh wrote a formal letter demanding that India send them back. The International Crimes Tribunal blamed Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan for the action taken on the student movement in July 2025.  Dhaka says that since the court has delivered its verdict, the entire trial should be held in Bangladesh; hence, Hasina's extradition.

Why is the 2013 treaty being cited?

The Bangladesh government has clearly written in its letter that the extradition treaty between India and Bangladesh is in force and on this basis India should hand over Hasina. Dhaka argues that granting asylum in another country to a person found guilty of serious crimes is against the justice system. Dhaka has also warned that granting asylum to Hasina by any country would be "unfriendly behaviour" and a travesty of justice.

What response has India given so far?

India has not yet given any direct answer on this. The special thing is that recently no political statement is coming from Hasina's side, which is being seen as an attempt to establish coordination between the two countries. 

India's Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement after the tribunal's decision that India has taken cognizance of the matter and will always play a positive role towards peace, democracy and stability in Bangladesh.  According to sources, India is looking at this entire matter from the perspective of legal process and does not want to take any hasty step. India has also previously said Hasina's case could amount to a "political crime" and there is a provision in the treaty to refuse extradition in such cases.

What is Sheikh Hasina herself saying?

Hasina has directly challenged the interim government to take the case to the Hague-based International Criminal Court if it has solid evidence. He described the current system in Dhaka as "anarchical and violent" and said the entire decision was an attempt to deprive the people of their democratic rights. 

What will be the impact on India-Bangladesh relations?

Bangladesh's leaders have reiterated that they want normal relations with all neighboring countries, including India, but only on an equal basis. He says that mutual respect and equality should be the foundation of relationships. 

Legal experts believe that India will take any decision on this issue only when it is confident that the trial in Bangladesh has been conducted in a fair manner. If there is a possibility of political retaliation or human rights violations, India will not consent to extradition. 

What will happen next?

During Khalilur Rehman's visit, issues like visas, Teesta water dispute and trade also came up for discussion, but Hasina remained at the center of the discussion. It is clear that both countries want to improve relations. But Hasina's issue has become such a knot that it will not be easy to solve. On one side is law, on the other is diplomacy, and stuck in between is the future of two neighboring countries.