NEW DELHI — India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed it is reviewing a request from Bangladesh for the extradition of its former Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, who has been sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Dhaka.
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal acknowledged receiving the extradition letter during a press briefing on Wednesday.
“Yes, we have received a request,” Jaiswal stated. “This request is being reviewed as part of the ongoing judicial and internal legal processes.”
The former Prime Minister has been residing in India since August 2024, when she fled Bangladesh following massive student-led protests. She has been staying at an undisclosed location in the country since then.
While Bangladesh has sent two letters requesting her return—once in December last year and a fresh request this month following her death sentence—this is the first time New Delhi has formally acknowledged receiving the communication.
The death sentence was pronounced by the ICT this month in connection with the killing of student protesters during the mass movement last July.
Jaiswal emphasized India’s commitment to bilateral ties, stating: “We remain committed to the welfare of the people of Bangladesh—especially peace, democracy, inclusion, and stability—and will continue to engage constructively with all parties on this matter.”
The acknowledgment comes as the latest development in the case of Sheikh Hasina, whose presence in India has remained a sensitive political and diplomatic issue between the two neighboring nations.
Sources: Reuters, The Statesman
