India Confronts Bangladesh’s Extradition Request for Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
Bangladesh’s interim administration has formally asked India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was sentenced to death in absentia on charges of crimes against humanity. The request arrives amid heightened diplomatic tension between the neighboring countries and raises questions about the legal framework governing extradition under the India‑Bangladesh Treaty of 1972 and subsequent bilateral agreements.
Under the existing treaty, extradition is permitted only for offenses recognized as crimes in both jurisdictions, provided that the requesting state presents sufficient evidence and guarantees that the individual will receive a fair trial. Indian officials have indicated that any decision will be based on a thorough review of the legal merits, including verification that the conviction meets international standards of due process and that the alleged crimes are covered by the treaty’s extraditable offenses list.
Legal scholars note that the death sentence complicates matters, as India has a de facto moratorium on capital punishment and is a signatory to international conventions that discourage the transfer of individuals facing execution. Additionally, the principle of non‑refoulement, which bars the return of persons to a jurisdiction where they may face torture or inhumane treatment, may influence the final assessment.
Bangladeshi authorities argue that the extradition is necessary to uphold justice and deter future violations, while Indian diplomats stress the importance of maintaining regional stability and respecting sovereign legal processes. Both sides have called for diplomatic dialogue to resolve the issue without jeopardizing broader cooperation on trade, security, and water resource management.
In the meantime, the case is expected to proceed through India’s courts, where judges will weigh treaty obligations against domestic legal principles and international human‑rights commitments. The outcome could set a precedent for future extradition requests in South Asia and shape the legal interplay between the two nations.
