India on Monday issued its first official reaction to the dramatic and controversial death sentence handed down to former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina by the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh (ICTB). The verdict — delivered in absentia — has sent ripples across the region, intensifying an already volatile political situation in Dhaka and placing New Delhi in a sensitive geopolitical position.
Hasina, who was ousted from power last year following mass protests led largely by students, has been living in India since fleeing across the border. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, previously confirmed that she has been housed in a secure, undisclosed location in New Delhi under Indian protection. The new verdict escalates the stakes dramatically, potentially setting up a diplomatic confrontation as Dhaka formally presses for her extradition.
India’s Carefully Worded Reaction
In a brief but sharply calibrated statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) avoided direct comment on the merits of the tribunal’s decision but underscored India’s commitment to the broader welfare of Bangladesh’s people.
“India has noted the verdict announced by the ‘International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh’ concerning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,” the MEA said. “As a close neighbour, India remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including in peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country.”
The message was notable for its restraint. By stating that it had “noted” the verdict, India neither endorsed nor criticised the ruling. Instead, it reaffirmed a long-standing policy: maintain constructive engagement with all Bangladeshi stakeholders while avoiding interference in internal political disputes.
“We will always engage constructively with all stakeholders to that end,” the MEA added, signalling that New Delhi intends to remain neutral but proactive in promoting regional stability at a time when Bangladesh faces deep political divisions.
The measured response comes just as Bangladesh’s foreign ministry formally requested India to extradite Hasina — something Dhaka described as New Delhi’s “obligatory responsibility” under a bilateral extradition agreement. India has not commented on the extradition request so far.
The Tribunal’s Verdict: A Death Sentence in Three Parts
Sheikh Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh for nearly two decades and was one of South Asia’s most influential leaders, was found guilty on three charges by the ICTB:
- Incitement related to unrest among students
- Order to kill, linked to the violence that unfolded during the protests
- Inaction to prevent atrocities committed during the movement that ultimately toppled her government
“We have decided to inflict her with only one sentence — that is, sentence of death,” the tribunal declared.
The court’s sweeping ruling also extended to Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, the former home minister in Hasina’s government, who was convicted on four counts of “crimes against humanity” and similarly sentenced to death in absentia.
The verdict instantly became a lightning rod for debate across Bangladesh and among the country’s international partners. While supporters of the current government argue that accountability for violence is necessary, critics — including Hasina herself — have denounced the tribunal’s proceedings as politically motivated.
Hasina Rejects the Verdict, Calls Tribunal ‘Rigged’
Responding to the death sentence, Sheikh Hasina issued a sharply worded statement from India, rejecting the charges outright. She described the tribunal as a “rigged” institution established by an “unelected government with no democratic mandate.”
She claimed that the ruling was not based on evidence or legal due process, and instead reflected a broader political purge aimed at eliminating opposition and rewriting the narrative around her ouster.
Her comments echoed concerns raised by human rights groups and independent observers who have questioned the legitimacy of the tribunal, its procedures, and the speed with which the cases have been heard.
Dhaka Pushes for Extradition, Citing Bilateral Agreement
Hours after the verdict, the Bangladesh foreign ministry sent a formal diplomatic note to New Delhi seeking Hasina’s return. The document cited the extradition agreement between the two countries and argued that India was obligated to hand her over.
“Providing refuge to these individuals, who have been convicted of crimes against humanity, by any other country would be a highly unfriendly act and a disregard for justice,” the letter stated.
Dhaka’s position suggests that the current Bangladeshi government is preparing for a prolonged political and legal battle, with Hasina’s return being framed not just as a political imperative but as a test of bilateral trust.
Yet this places India in a precarious situation. For decades, New Delhi and Dhaka — particularly under Hasina’s leadership — shared exceptionally close ties marked by cooperation on security, trade, transit, and counterterrorism. Hasina’s government had been one of India’s strongest regional allies. With the new government now demanding her extradition, India must weigh its obligations under international law, its security concerns, and the potential fallout of handing over an ousted leader who faces a death sentence.
A Diplomatic Tightrope for India
India now faces three immediate dilemmas:
- Extradition vs. asylum: Should India protect Hasina on humanitarian or political grounds, or comply with the formal request from Dhaka?
- Regional stability: Could extradition ignite further unrest in Bangladesh, worsening instability right on India’s border?
- Bilateral relations: Would refusing extradition strain ties with the current Bangladeshi administration?
The MEA’s initial statement seems designed to keep all options open while signalling that any next steps will be taken cautiously.
The Broader Picture: Crisis in Bangladesh Intensifies
The death sentence and Dhaka’s push for extradition deepen the turmoil that has engulfed Bangladesh since last year’s protests. The student-led movement had mushroomed into a national uprising, culminating in the collapse of Hasina’s long-ruling government. Since then, Bangladesh has struggled with leadership changes, political fragmentation, and widespread demands for justice from all sides.
The ruling against Hasina is likely to harden divisions further. Her supporters view her as a victim of political vendetta; her critics accuse her of authoritarianism and human rights abuses during her time in office.
For India, the challenge lies in navigating this tumultuous environment while maintaining regional stability, supporting democratic processes, and safeguarding its own strategic interests.
What Comes Next?
As India prepares for the diplomatic implications of Bangladesh’s extradition request, the international community will be watching closely. The coming weeks will determine whether Hasina’s case becomes:
- A humanitarian issue
- A political standoff
- Or a moment of recalibration in India–Bangladesh relations
What remains certain is that Sheikh Hasina’s sentencing has set off one of the most consequential political and diplomatic crises in South Asia in recent years — and New Delhi will now play a critical role in shaping what happens next.
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