Hasina's extended stay in India raises diplomatic challenges
Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has been in India since August 5, seeking refuge amid escalating violence and threats to her life in Bangladesh. After spending a fortnight in India, Hasina's situation remains precarious as she continues to seek asylum in the UK or another European country, but so far, no nation has granted her clearance.
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar earlier confirmed in Parliament that Sheikh Hasina is currently in India and required assistance. However, her prolonged stay poses potential diplomatic complications for India, especially as Bangladesh has begun to press for her extradition. Despite this, experts note that Bangladesh has yet to make a formal extradition request, and even if one is made, India is not obligated to comply.
India faces a delicate situation, navigating the balance between international diplomatic relations and the humanitarian aspects of Hasina's stay. The timeline of her stay in India remains uncertain, leaving many questions unanswered regarding the future of Indo-Bangladesh relations.
In a speech in Dhaka, BNP General Secretary Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called for the extradition of ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh, demanding that she face trial. Addressing India directly, he stated, "It is our call to you that you should hand her over to the Government of Bangladesh in a legal way. The people of this country have given the decision for her trial, let her face the trial”.
According to reports, Mirza Fakhrul also accused Sheikh Hasina of orchestrating plots from her stay in India to undermine the ongoing revolution in Bangladesh.
This call comes just a day after a complaint was filed against Sheikh Hasina in a crime tribunal, accusing her of involvement in a murder case. Additionally, several other police cases have been lodged across Bangladesh against Sheikh Hasina and officials from her time in power.
Protests demanding her prosecution and trial are gaining momentum across the country, further intensifying the political climate surrounding her potential extradition.
