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PTC Web Desk: Bangladesh’s foreign ministry has formally requested India to hand over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been declared a “fugitive accused” following a tribunal’s death sentence issued against her. The ministry, in a letter to New Delhi, cited the bilateral extradition treaty and said India was “obliged” to facilitate her return to face legal proceedings.

Sheikh Hasina (78) was sentenced to death on Monday by a Dhaka court on three charges linked to alleged crimes against humanity during the massive student-led protests that erupted last year. The unrest triggered a nationwide uprising that forced her government to collapse and prompted her escape to India in August 2024.

Announcing the verdict, Judge Golam Mortuza Mozumder said Hasina was convicted on counts of incitement, issuing orders that led to killings and failing to prevent violent actions during the turmoil.

Since fleeing Bangladesh, the former prime minister has been living in a secure location in Delhi. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, recently confirmed that India is offering her full protection and treating her “like a head of state.” 

In an interview with Reuters in October, Hasina said she felt safer in Delhi but remained vigilant about her security. She stated she would return to Bangladesh only under a government she considers legitimate and one that ensures constitutional order and genuine rule of law. She also made it clear that she would not return under any administration formed through elections that excluded her party.

Reacting to the verdict, Sheikh Hasina issued a sharply worded statement, dismissing the accusations as fabricated and driven by political vendetta. She argued that the trial lacked fairness and said she would agree to face a judicial process only before an impartial tribunal. “I am not afraid to face my accusers in a proper court where evidence is examined fairly,” she said.

Diplomatic ties between the two neighbours have deteriorated since the caretaker government led by Muhammad Yunus assumed office. India has repeatedly criticised Dhaka for failing to protect minority communities, especially Hindus, amid ongoing unrest.

Bangladesh’s push for Hasina’s extradition has further strained relations. New Delhi has not acted on the request yet.

Tensions escalated last week when Bangladesh summoned India’s deputy chief of mission in Dhaka to protest Hasina’s interviews with Indian media outlets. The interim administration demanded curbs on journalists’ access to the former leader, calling the interviews inappropriate.

This followed Hasina’s first public statements to Indian media since taking refuge in Delhi. She had earlier spoken to British and French news organisations, but those engagements did not draw diplomatic protests from London or Paris.

The situation worsened after Shafiqul Alam, spokesperson for the caretaker government, described Indian journalists interviewing Hasina as “Indian bootlicking” reporters, remarks that sparked strong reactions in diplomatic circles and added to the ongoing friction.