NATIONAL: India Reluctant To Hand Over Hasina
Tensions between India and Bangladesh escalated sharply on Monday as Dhaka demanded the immediate extradition of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina following her death sentence for crimes against humanity.
The verdict, handed down by the International Crimes Tribunal, stems from the brutal 2024 crackdown on student protests that left over 1,400 dead.
Hasina, living in exile in New Delhi since fleeing on August 5, 2024, dismissed the ruling as a politically driven farce.
Guarded Response from New Delhi
India’s Ministry of External Affairs acknowledged the tribunal’s decision but stopped short of any handover pledge.
Officials emphasized New Delhi’s dedication to fostering peace, security, democracy, and stability across the border, vowing continued dialogue with all parties involved.
This measured tone hints at reluctance, with experts pointing to the 2013 extradition treaty’s provisions against politically motivated cases as a potential shield.
Long-standing ties, nurtured since Hasina’s 2009 return to power and deepened under Indian leaders Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi, now face strain.
Hasina’s administration had bolstered bilateral cooperation on trade, security, and water sharing, making her ouster a pivotal shift.
Yet, accusations of minority persecution under the interim regime have further clouded relations.
Pressure Mounts from Dhaka
Muhammad Yunus’s caretaker government, eyeing February 2026 elections, views Hasina’s return as crucial for accountability.
Foreign Ministry officials labeled her a fugitive, urging India to honor treaty obligations and deliver justice.
Voices from groups like Jamaat-e-Islami echoed this, arguing that sheltering the convicted leader undermines neighborly trust and international norms.
The push comes amid reports of targeted violence against Hindu communities, which India has flagged as a failure of protection by Dhaka.
Such incidents, including temple attacks and displacements, have prompted New Delhi to voice concerns over minority safety, adding layers to the diplomatic rift.
Strategic Shifts in Bangladesh
Under Yunus, Dhaka has pivoted toward bolstering defenses, sparking regional unease. Key moves include:
- Revamping the WWII-era Lalmonirhat airbase near the Indian border, with Chinese firms aiding upgrades since March 2025 to enhance aviation capabilities.
- Deepening military ties with Pakistan, highlighted by October visits from top generals discussing joint training, intelligence exchanges, and trade pacts.
These developments, including trilateral talks with China, signal a realignment that worries Indian strategists about encirclement near the sensitive Siliguri Corridor.
As elections loom, the Hasina saga tests alliances, with India’s choice potentially reshaping South Asian dynamics for years.