As the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) prepares to return to power in Dhaka, renewed attention has turned to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in exile in New Delhi since her ouster.
The BNP, led by Tarique Rahman, is poised to form the government nearly two decades after Rahman’s mother, Khaleda Zia, last held office. During its campaign, the party pledged to pursue Hasina’s extradition following her conviction by a tribunal court in November 2025.
Hasina’s Life in Delhi
Since leaving Dhaka amid political turmoil, Hasina has maintained a relatively low public profile in the Indian capital. Apart from occasional public appearances and statements, she has largely stayed out of the spotlight.
In January 2026, however, she addressed supporters from Delhi, sharply criticizing the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus and calling for resistance against what she described as an illegitimate government. She has consistently denounced the recent elections as a “sham” and “farce.”
Extradition Demand Gains Momentum
The political landscape shifted significantly after a tribunal court in Bangladesh sentenced Hasina to death over her government’s alleged role in a violent crackdown on student protesters during last year’s unrest.
Bangladesh’s foreign ministry formally urged India to return Hasina, stating that offering refuge to individuals convicted of crimes against humanity would undermine justice and bilateral relations. Authorities have reportedly initiated proceedings under the India–Bangladesh extradition framework.
Senior BNP leaders have framed the issue as both a legal necessity and a matter of national sovereignty, asserting that future ties with India must move “beyond Sheikh Hasina.”
Diplomatic Implications for India–Bangladesh Ties
Relations between New Delhi and Dhaka have experienced strain since 2024, when Hasina fled amid mass protests. With the BNP now positioned to lead the government, diplomatic engagement between the two countries may face renewed complexity.
India has responded cautiously to the tribunal’s verdict. Speaking at a public forum in 2025, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that Hasina had arrived in Delhi “under certain circumstances,” emphasizing that decisions regarding her future ultimately rest with her.
As the BNP formally assumes office, the question of Hasina’s extradition is likely to emerge as a key test of India–Bangladesh relations in 2026.
