India on Tuesday issued a brief response to the death sentence handed to former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, without addressing Dhaka’s request for her extradition.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “India has noted the verdict announced. As a close neighbour, India remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including in peace, democracy, inclusion, and stability in that country. We will always engage constructively with all stakeholders to that end.”
The response does not mention the extradition of Hasina, who has been in India since fleeing Dhaka in August 2024. The omission aligns with previous MEA comments declining to address whether New Delhi would send her back.
The statement followed a formal request from Bangladesh’s foreign ministry asking India to hand over Hasina and former interior minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. The ministry said, “We appeal to the Government of India to immediately hand over these two convicted individuals to the Bangladesh authorities. According to the extradition treaty existing between the two countries, this is also an obligatory duty for India.”
Dhaka also warned that giving shelter to individuals convicted of crimes against humanity would be viewed as an unfriendly act and a disregard for justice.
Hasina was sentenced to death on Monday by a tribunal court for allegedly ordering a violent crackdown on student-led protests last year, during which the UN estimates up to 1,400 people were killed. Prosecutors told the court they had presented evidence of her direct orders to use lethal force.
More details are awaited as this is a developing story.
