"Bangladesh’s Ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Neighboring Country India Maintains a Firm and Unyielding Stance

"Bangladesh’s Ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Neighboring Country India Maintains a Firm and Unyielding Stance" [Dhaka, Bangladesh | July 11, 2025]

Despite the formal indictment of ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for crimes against humanity, neighboring India has shown no sign of shifting its position regarding her extradition. Political circles in New Delhi have made it clear that, despite repeated requests from Bangladesh, there is no possibility of handing over Sheikh Hasina, who currently resides in India.

Top Indian officials argue that the political context and rationale under which Sheikh Hasina was granted shelter remain unchanged. They assert that leaked audio recordings or formal charges do not influence India’s asylum policy.

India has also expressed doubts over the impartiality of the ongoing International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh. Officials cite incidents such as lawyers for the accused being unable to attend court safely and former ministers like Salman F Rahman, Anisul Huq, and Dipu Moni being publicly harassed, all of which cast doubt on the tribunal’s credibility.

Hasina’s Silence and Joy’s Response

Though Sheikh Hasina, from her residence in India, has regularly addressed Awami League supporters via virtual messages over the past 11 months, she has made no public statement regarding the charges or calls for extradition.

However, in response to a BBC documentary that recently aired an alleged audio clip of Hasina issuing lethal orders, her son and chief advisor, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, dismissed it as a “shameless example of yellow journalism.”

Hundreds of Awami League leaders and supporters currently in India have launched vigorous social media campaigns in support of Hasina. In contrast, Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government, posted on X (formerly Twitter) claiming that the BBC report proves Sheikh Hasina’s involvement in "state-sanctioned killings." He urged the Indian government to stop sheltering her and return her to face justice in Bangladesh.

Political Reality: India’s Trusted Ally

Several former Indian diplomats have emphasized that Sheikh Hasina has been India’s most dependable regional ally for years. They argue that abandoning her during this crisis would send a message across South Asia that India cannot be relied upon.

This geopolitical reality, they believe, is the key reason behind India’s refusal to extradite her.

No Official Response from India Yet

Though Bangladesh formally submitted a "note verbale" to India requesting Hasina’s extradition back in December, India acknowledged receipt but has not responded officially.

It is expected that India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson may address the issue during the ministry’s scheduled press briefing tomorrow.

“We Are Not Hasina’s Spokesperson” — India

An Indian foreign ministry official stated, “Sheikh Hasina is a guest in India, not a political prisoner. Whatever she says reflects her own views — not ours. We do not seek to control that. Therefore, although she resides in India, we are not accountable for her statements or actions.”