Bangladesh’s request to extradite Sheikh Hasina ‘being examined’, Centre tells Parliament panel

Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina (AP image)

NEW DELHI: The Centre on Thursday informed the parliamentary standing committee that Bangladesh’s request for the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina is “being examined by the competent authorities” in accordance with applicable laws and established procedures.The disclosure was made in the government’s action taken report on the recommendations of the parliamentary standing committee on external affairs, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.The report, titled “Action Taken by the government on the observations/recommendations contained in the ninth report of the committee on the subject ‘Future of India-Bangladesh Relationship'”, was tabled in Parliament on Thursday.The committee said it had taken note of the Bangladesh government’s extradition request following the pronouncement of a death sentence against Hasina in absentia and urged the Centre to keep it informed about the progress in examining the matter.‘Hasina has not been provided any political platform’The committee also noted that Hasina’s stay in India is guided by the country’s “civilisational ethos and humanitarian tradition of offering refuge to individuals facing circumstances of grave distress or existential threat.”It said the government had clarified that Hasina has not been provided any political platform or space to undertake political activities from Indian territory. According to the panel, India has maintained the principle that its territory will not be used for political activities directed against another country.The committee also recommended that the government continue its “principled and humanitarian approach”, while ensuring such situations are handled with due sensitivity and in line with India’s international responsibilities.

Hasina has been living in India since August 2024 after fleeing Bangladesh following the collapse of the Awami League government amid a massive student-led uprising.Bilateral ties between India and Bangladesh deteriorated after the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus assumed office following Hasina’s ouster. A new Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government headed by PM Tarique Rahman took office after the February 2026 parliamentary elections.