New Delhi reportedly wants Bangladesh to arrange her return by military aircraft or through a designated land border point, while ensuring a fresh trial and the right to appeal against the death sentence
India has reportedly set two key conditions for the possible return of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the country. According to the conditions, Bangladesh must either send a military aircraft to bring her back or receive her at a designated location along the land border. India has also sought assurances that Hasina will be given an opportunity to appeal against her death sentence and face a fresh trial over the allegations related to the July massacre.
The details emerged in a report published on Thursday (November 12), citing Indian government officials and military sources in New Delhi. The report said that Bangladesh and India have been engaged in behind-the-scenes discussions for several months regarding Hasina’s possible return.
Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, and subsequently took refuge in India. Following her departure, Bangladesh formally requested her extradition under the existing extradition treaty between the two countries. However, India has yet to issue a formal response to the request, with its Ministry of External Affairs describing the matter as a legal process.
According to officials in New Delhi, Hasina was initially taken to India aboard a military aircraft. India therefore reportedly believes that the Bangladesh Army should take responsibility for bringing her back. Alternatively, the handover could take place through a designated land border point. The report added that India is prepared to provide the necessary logistical support for the process.
The second condition concerns legal guarantees for Hasina. India reportedly wants Bangladesh to ensure that she has the opportunity to appeal against her death sentence and receive a fresh trial in connection with the allegations surrounding the July massacre.
An Indian official was quoted as saying that New Delhi wants Hasina to have another opportunity to face a fair judicial process. The possibility of international monitoring of the trial proceedings is also reportedly under consideration.
India is also said to expect that the Bangladesh Army will take responsibility for ensuring Hasina’s security following her return. Communications between the military leaderships of the two countries are reportedly continuing over the matter.
However, several observers in New Delhi believe that Hasina’s return to Bangladesh in December remains unlikely. They argue that the multiple conditions involved, along with the prevailing political circumstances, could make it difficult to complete the process within the expected timeframe.
It is worth noting that Sheikh Hasina previously expressed her intention to return to Bangladesh in December this year. However, she has not announced any specific date for her return.
