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• Trial of those who supported Pakistan in the 1971 War of Independence
• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar criticizes Bangladesh
• Sheikh Hasina, 78, visited India in August last year

On the morning of November 17, 2025, a crowd had gathered outside the Dhaka court. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Although the verdict against him had already been decided, the International Criminal Tribunal for Bangladesh (ICT) announced the death sentence to applause. Youths who led protests last year distributed sweets, hugged each other and welcomed the verdict to bring justice to Hasina, accused of ordering the massacre of her countrymen.

Hasina, the 78-year-old daughter of Bangladesh’s founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was convicted of crimes against humanity in his absence. The then Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan was also sentenced to death. Lawyers and victims’ families celebrated inside the court after hearing the verdict. Ironically, Hasina set up the ICT to prosecute those who supported Pakistan in the 1971 war of independence. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has criticized Bangladesh.

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Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday (December 6) described former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India as a personal choice. The circumstances behind his arrival in India influenced his decision. Sheikh Hasina, 78, visited India in August last year, when her 15-year rule in Bangladesh ended in violence that left hundreds dead and thousands injured. Last month, a special court in Dhaka sentenced him to death.

Speaking at an event, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar elaborated on Sheikh Hasina’s long stay in India and Indo-Bangladesh relations. He clarified that Sheikh Hasina’s decision to stay in India is basically her personal decision. But the circumstances under which he left power and came to India are important factors in this decision. “She came here in a unique situation and I think that situation obviously plays a role in what happens next for her. But still, the final decision rests with her,” Jaishankar said.

“Hasina can stay in India as long as she wants.”

The foreign minister also reiterated that India has assured Sheikh Hasina that she can stay in India as long as she wants. The Indian government has repeatedly stated that Hasina has been granted asylum on humanitarian grounds and that her safety and welfare are being fully taken care of.

Emphasis on the need for a credible democratic process in Bangladesh

Regarding Indo-Bangladesh relations, Jaishankar emphasized the need to strengthen democracy in the neighboring country. He said that the leaders of the current interim government themselves admitted that their main objection was the manner in which the previous elections (January 2024) were conducted. Jaishankar quipped, “We have heard that the people of Bangladesh, especially those in power, had a problem with the way the previous elections were conducted. If the problem is the elections, the first step should be to hold fair and credible elections.”

Optimistic about the future of relations

The Foreign Minister expressed optimism about the relations between the two countries. He said, “India I want Bangladesh to progress. As a democratic country, we want the will of the people of our neighboring countries to be respected through the democratic process.” He added, “I am confident that whatever results emerge from the democratic process will reflect a balanced and mature approach to India-Bangladesh relations and hopefully improve relations further.” Bangladesh’s interim government has repeatedly demanded Sheikh Hasina’s extradition, but India has yet to respond positively. Experts believe that India is waiting for the return of a stable and India-friendly government in Bangladesh rather than Hasina’s extradition. For now, though, Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India and diplomatic relations between the two countries will depend on the elections expected in the next few months.

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