Ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death by a Bangladesh court following convictions in cases related to crimes against humanity. Currently residing in New Delhi, Hasina fled to India on August 5, 2024, amidst a powerful student-led popular uprising. Her self-imposed exile continues under the protection of Indian authorities, despite escalating pressure from Dhaka for her repatriation. Bangladesh has officially requested India’s assistance in extraditing Hasina. However, by mid-2025, India had not yet responded to these requests. Sources indicate that some Indian officials are apprehensive about extraditing her, suggesting it might convey a “wrong global message.” Bangladesh insists that Hasina’s legal status in India is immaterial to its extradition plea. India has reportedly extended her visa, a move described by insiders as “purely technical” and not an indicator of asylum. Adding to her legal woes, Hasina was sentenced in absentia to six months in jail in July 2025 by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) for contempt of court. This stemmed from a verified leaked audio recording where she allegedly discussed having authority over the deaths of 227 individuals. In June 2025, the tribunal charged her with five counts of crimes against humanity, encompassing incitement and conspiracy related to the 2024 unrest. The death sentence for these charges was delivered in absentia on November 17, 2025. Speaking from Delhi, Hasina stated in a recent interview that she would consider returning to Bangladesh only if genuine, fair, and inclusive elections are conducted. She describes her life in New Delhi as “freely” lived within “reasonable limits.” The legal proceedings against her are intensifying, with a second arrest warrant issued in Bangladesh concerning alleged enforced disappearances during her 15-year rule. Diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and India remain strained; while Bangladesh signals openness to mending ties, India’s inaction on the extradition request is a notable point. Within Bangladesh, 2025 has been a turbulent year marked by clashes between security forces and pro-Hasina demonstrators. Protests have targeted properties linked to Hasina, including her former residence, reportedly as a reaction to her statements from exile. Simultaneously, a security operation has resulted in the arrest of thousands, many presumed to be her supporters. As of late 2025, Sheikh Hasina remains in New Delhi under Indian protection. Her potential return hinges on navigating legal appeals in Bangladesh’s Supreme Court and influencing India’s stance on extradition, even as she continues to make political pronouncements about democratic conditions for her return, while her party faces domestic opposition.
