sheikh hasina: Bangladesh says legal process for her return is complete, decision now rests with India

On sheikh hasina, Bangladesh's government says it has done its part. Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman told reporters in Dhaka on Saturday, 14 November, that the legal process needed to seek the former prime minister's return from India is complete, and that the next step is for India to decide.

India has acknowledged receiving Bangladesh's extradition requests but has not announced a decision. The details below are drawn from reports by the Press Trust of India (via ThePrint), Business Today, Outlook India and The Tribune.

What the law minister said

The main points of the minister's remarks:

• Bangladesh has completed every legal step required from its side.
• Her return would take place under the bilateral extradition treaty, which he described as a legal process in itself.
• Asked whether Hasina could appeal her sentence, he said the relevant law does not give her that option. Outlook reported that he cited the crimes-against-humanity law and Article 47(3) of the Constitution. This is the government's legal interpretation.
• Asked about a possible move to a third country, he said that was a matter for the Indian government.

India's position

On Friday, 13 November, Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said extradition is a legal issue and will be handled accordingly. He added that India wants a positive, constructive and forward-looking relationship with Bangladesh.

Some reports had said India sought assurances about an appeal and a fresh trial. The Indian government has not confirmed this.

Background: the verdict and her exit

• August 2024: After a student-led mass uprising toppled her government, Hasina left Bangladesh for India on 5 August. She is now 79.
• November 2025: The International Crimes Tribunal tried her in absentia over the crackdown on protesters during the July-August 2024 uprising and convicted her of crimes against humanity. She received a death sentence on one charge and life imprisonment on another. Hasina rejects both the charges and the proceedings.
• February 2026: The interim government handed power to the elected government of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Demands for her extradition have continued since.
• 5 August: In an audio-only virtual press conference organised in New Delhi, Hasina spoke of plans to return to Bangladesh in December. Dhaka objected; India said a private entity had organised the event and the government had no involvement.

Passport and national ID request

Hasina recently applied for a new Bangladeshi passport and national identity card through a London-based legal chamber, which approached the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, according to the reports. The government says the applications are being examined and that her return will be pursued through the extradition treaty. The prosecution has opposed the request.

Effect on Dhaka-Delhi ties

According to the reports, Dhaka has linked progress on extradition to a possible visit to India by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Bangladesh wants New Delhi to speed up Hasina's handover and also return other fugitives.

What happens next

After the minister's remarks, attention now turns to India's formal decision. What India decides under the extradition treaty, and when, will shape where the matter goes. The outcome of the government's review of her passport and ID applications is also awaited. This report will be updated if there are new developments.