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Sheikh Hasina, who took refuge in India following the mass uprising in Bangladesh in July 2024, may have to return to Bangladesh and face trial as the only realistic option, according to Indian assessments.
During the interim government, Hasina’s diplomatic passport was cancelled and her National Identity (NID) number was suspended.
Recently, London-based legal firm Matrix Chambers sent a letter to the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, stating that Hasina is entitled to obtain a new passport and National Identity Card based on her Bangladeshi citizenship and international human rights instruments.
Hasina’s passport application has recently emerged as a major topic of political discussion.
According to a BBC report, it is no secret that Hasina’s presence in New Delhi has increasingly become an embarrassing issue for the Indian government. India has faced criticism not only over its bilateral relations with Bangladesh but also internationally for continuing to shelter a former prime minister convicted in connection with crimes against humanity.
Perhaps the best solution for India would have been for Hasina to relocate to a third country. However, despite repeated discussions with several countries in the past, those efforts have failed for various reasons.
As a result, India now believes that Hasina’s attempt to return to Bangladesh and face trial there is the only realistic option.
Indian policymakers also reportedly agree that Hasina’s return is essential for reviving the political fortunes of the Awami League, a longtime ally of India in Bangladesh.
Government officials in New Delhi have indicated to the BBC that India has two main conditions for Hasina’s return to Bangladesh.
First, Hasina arrived in India aboard a military aircraft of the Bangladesh Army. Therefore, the Indian side believes that the Bangladesh Army should also be responsible for bringing her back.
The transfer could take place either by air or by land. Bangladesh could send a military aircraft to bring her back from Delhi, or its army could receive her at a designated point along the land border.
India is also prepared to make the necessary logistical arrangements to facilitate the process.
The second condition is that Bangladesh must guarantee Hasina the opportunity to appeal her death sentence and ensure that her trial over allegations related to the July massacre is held afresh.
However, India is keen to avoid any perception that such a demand amounts to interference by a foreign country in Bangladesh’s domestic judicial system. New Delhi also wants to avoid making any public comments on the matter.
A foreign ministry official in Delhi told the BBC that India could not knowingly hand Hasina over to be hanged. Instead, it would seek to ensure that she receives an opportunity for a fresh and fair trial.
The official also indicated that India would want the proceedings to take place under the scrutiny of the international community and global media.
New Delhi has reportedly been holding behind-the-scenes discussions with Dhaka for several months to facilitate Hasina’s return by addressing these two conditions. Source: BBC.