The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), fresh from a sweeping election victory, has renewed its demand for the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina from India to face trial in Bangladesh, signalling that the issue will be pursued formally through diplomatic channels.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), buoyed by a sweeping victory in the general elections, has renewed its demand for the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina from India to face trial in Bangladesh.
Riding on its landslide win, the BNP said it would formally pursue Hasina’s return through diplomatic channels.
Senior party leader Salahuddin Ahmed said the issue would be taken up at the highest levels. “We have consistently pressed for her extradition in accordance with the law. This is an issue between the foreign ministries of the two countries. We have urged the government of India to send her back to face trial in Bangladesh,” he told PTI.
Ahmed stressed that while the BNP seeks friendly ties with all neighbouring countries, including India, such relations must be based on mutual respect and equality.
Conviction and exile
Hasina was ousted during the 2024 youth-led uprising and has since been living in New Delhi. In November 2025, a Dhaka tribunal sentenced her to death in absentia on charges of crimes against humanity linked to the violent crackdown on protesters during the unrest.
The BNP’s renewed demand comes days after Hasina described the recent elections as a “sham” and accused interim leader Muhammad Yunus of orchestrating her removal from office.
India’s measured stance
New Delhi has adopted a cautious approach. In November, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had received Bangladesh’s extradition request and was examining it under ongoing legal processes. He reiterated India’s commitment to peace, democracy and stability in Bangladesh.
Since her departure, Hasina has largely stayed out of the public spotlight in New Delhi, aside from occasional remarks. In January 2026, she triggered fresh controversy in Dhaka after delivering an address from the Indian capital urging citizens to rise against the interim administration.
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