India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar affirmed on December 6, 2025, that the indefinite stay of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina remains her personal choice, following her flight from Dhaka amid deadly 2024 protests that ended her 15-year rule.
The 78-year-old former leader is currently living in India despite an extradition demand from the current Bangladeshi government, which came after she was sentenced to death in absentia in November by a Dhaka tribunal for crimes against humanity.
Jaishankar stated that India is committed to stability and peace in its neighbour and is currently examining the legal aspects of Dhaka’s extradition request via judicial processes, emphasizing that no decision on her extradition has been made. He further urged that Bangladesh hold fair and credible elections to ensure long-term stability in the country.
Hasina’s Flight Amid Bloody Uprising
Sheikh Hasina escaped Dhaka on 5 August 2024 via military helicopter to India’s Hindon airbase after student protests against job quotas exploded into nationwide revolt, triggering security crackdowns that killed over 300 and injured thousands, toppling her Awami League government after 15 years.
She relocated to a secure Lutyens’ Delhi safehouse under NSG and Garud protection, grateful to PM Modi for refuge; her son Sajeeb Wazed noted India treats her like a head of state. This marks her second Indian exile, echoing 1975-1981 stay post-father’s assassination, amid Bangladesh’s interim Yunus regime labelling her fugitive.
Death Sentence Fuels Extradition Tensions
Dhaka’s International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Hasina to death in absentia on 17 November 2025 for crimes against humanity in 2024 protest handling, followed by 21-year land grab term; Bangladesh invoked 2014 extradition treaty, calling return India’s “obligatory responsibility” and refuge an “unfriendly act disregarding justice.”
“She came here in a certain circumstance… that is something she must decide,” Jaishankar told NDTV, as MEA’s Randhir Jaiswal confirmed judicial examination without timeline; Hasina rejected verdict as political, vowing no return sans fair Awami League polls. India views trial as retribution by anti-India forces, citing treaty exceptions for political offences.
India Pushes Democratic Stability
Jaishankar stressed India’s preference for credible polls in Bangladesh: “If the issue was the election, then the first order of business would be to conduct a fair election,” adding any democracy seeks people’s will via ballot; he expressed optimism for “balanced and mature” future ties post-elections improving relations.
Bangladesh leadership critiques past Hasina polls, while New Delhi engages stakeholders for peace, inclusion; analysts note Hasina’s presence strains but upholds alliances amid Yunus criticisms and rising anti-India rhetoric from student leaders. No restrictions on her Delhi stay reported 16 months on.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Refuge demands wisdom balancing humanity with justice, granting Hasina shelter from violence while urging Bangladesh embrace fair trials and polls fostering empathy over revenge. Kindness across borders builds harmony when nations prioritise dialogue for shared stability.
