Bangladesh’s Sheikh Hasina: Death Sentence & India’s Dilemma

Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has been handed a death sentence by a national court for alleged crimes against humanity. She is currently in New Delhi, where she sought refuge on August 5, 2024, amidst a massive student uprising that led to her ousting. Her self-imposed exile is maintained with the protection of Indian authorities, despite persistent extradition requests from Dhaka. As of mid-2025, India has not formally responded to these extradition demands, with some officials reportedly concerned about the international implications of such a move. Bangladesh contends that Hasina’s legal status in India, including her visa, is secondary to the extradition request. India has reportedly granted her a visa extension, clarifying it as a procedural matter rather than asylum. The legal proceedings against Hasina have escalated significantly. In July 2025, she was convicted in absentia for contempt of court and sentenced to six months imprisonment, linked to an audio recording where she allegedly spoke of a ‘license to kill.’ The International Crimes Tribunal had previously indicted her in June 2025 on five counts related to the 2024 unrest, including incitement and conspiracy, leading to the November 2025 death sentence. From her Delhi base, Hasina has communicated that a return to Bangladesh is contingent upon the establishment of free and fair elections. She describes her current residence in Delhi as allowing for freedom within certain boundaries. Further legal challenges include a second arrest warrant for alleged enforced disappearances during her extensive rule. Diplomatic relations remain strained, as India has not yet acted on the extradition, despite Bangladesh’s overtures for improved ties. Domestically, Bangladesh has experienced considerable political upheaval in 2025, marked by clashes and protests targeting properties associated with Hasina, and a large-scale operation resulting in numerous arrests. Sheikh Hasina’s immediate options include challenging the death sentence through Bangladesh’s Supreme Court, while India navigates the complex diplomatic and political ramifications of Dhaka’s persistent extradition efforts.