⭐ Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death: Bangladesh Demands Extradition from India—New Delhi Responds Carefully

In a dramatic political development, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death for crimes against humanity.
Both leaders are currently living in India after fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024.

Soon after the verdict, Bangladesh formally asked India to hand over Sheikh Hasina.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has now issued its first official response.

🌐 Bangladesh’s Strong Message: “Sheltering Hasina Is an Unfriendly Act”

The Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry released a strict statement, saying:

“Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal have been found guilty of crimes against humanity. Any country giving them shelter will be considered acting unfriendly and disrespecting justice.”

The statement further added that under the existing Bangladesh–India Extradition Treaty, India is obligated to hand over both fugitives.

This marks one of the toughest diplomatic signals Bangladesh has sent to India in recent years.

🇮🇳 India’s Diplomatic Response: Balanced, Neutral, and Measured

India did not directly comment on the extradition request.
Instead, the Ministry of External Affairs said:

• India is aware of the tribunal’s verdict.

• As a close neighbour, India is committed to peace, democracy, and stability in Bangladesh.

• India will continue engaging constructively with all stakeholders.

This neutral tone indicates India is treading carefully in a highly sensitive political situation.

⚖️ Inside the Verdict: A 453-Page Judgment That Shook Dhaka

The three-member bench of the International Crimes Tribunal delivered a 453-page judgment:

• Sheikh Hasina: Death sentence in two cases, life imprisonment in one

• Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal: Death sentence

• Former IGP Abdullah Al Mamun: 5-year jail term after turning government witness

As the verdict was read out, crowds inside and outside the court broke into celebration—shouting slogans demanding immediate execution. The court had to intervene several times to maintain order.

🔥 What Were the Allegations?

The charges stem from the violent anti-government protests that swept Bangladesh in July–August 2024, when:

• 1,400 people were killed

• Over 25,000 injured

• Protesters and security forces clashed across the country

Key charges included:

• Murder

• Attempt to murder

• Conspiracy

• Incitement

• Aiding and abetting mass violence

A total of 747 pages of evidence and documents were submitted.

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🩸 Major Incidents Mentioned in the Case

1. Killing of student Abu Sayeed in Rangpur

A politically motivated shooting that sparked nationwide outrage.

2. Murder of six civilians at Dhaka’s Chankharpul

Prosecution described it as a “planned, coordinated attack.”

3. The Ashulia massacre (5 August 2024)

• Five people shot dead

• Bodies burned

• One person burned alive

These incidents became central to the tribunal’s argument that top government officials were aware of and involved in the violence.

🚨 Prosecution’s Claim: “Top Leadership Knew Everything”

Chief prosecutor Tajul Islam argued:

• The violence was carried out with the support of top government officials.

• Security agencies and ruling party groups acted together.

• Sheikh Hasina’s speeches “provoked and inflamed” tensions, especially when she labelled protesting students as “razakars’ children.”

The term “razakar” is a deeply insulting word in Bangladesh, historically used for collaborators with Pakistani forces during the 1971 war.

✈️ How and Why Sheikh Hasina Fled to India

Amid escalating protests and public outrage, Sheikh Hasina lost her grip on power.
On 5 August 2024, she secretly left Dhaka and crossed into India.

Since then, she has been living quietly at an undisclosed location under Indian protection.

🌏 What Happens Next? Will India Extradite Her?

This is now a major diplomatic puzzle for New Delhi.

India must consider:

• The legal obligations of the extradition treaty

• The risk of political persecution in Bangladesh

• Regional stability in South Asia

• Strategic implications (especially China’s growing influence in Dhaka)

India’s careful statement indicates that it is not in a hurry to commit to any action.

🔎 Conclusion: A Turning Point in South Asian Politics

The sentencing of Sheikh Hasina—one of South Asia’s longest-serving leaders—is a watershed moment.
The coming weeks will decide:

• Whether India hands her over

• How Bangladesh navigates internal political turbulence

• And what it means for India–Bangladesh relations in the long run

This story is far from over.