India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated that the issue regarding the extradition of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be resolved through existing legal processes and agreements. Concurrently, India has advised contacting the Bangladesh High Commission regarding Sheikh Hasina’s application for a new passport and national identity card.
Randhir Jaiswal made these remarks on Tuesday (November 10) in response to a question from media personnel during the Ministry of External Affairs’ regular weekly briefing.
During the briefing, a journalist inquired about reports that Bangladesh had rejected Sheikh Hasina’s application for a new passport and national identity card. The journalist also asked if this matter could be discussed during a potential consular services meeting between the two countries.
In response, Randhir Jaiswal stated that travel documents are necessary for people to travel. Sheikh Hasina’s application can also be viewed in that context. However, he clarified that it is a technical matter. Regarding extradition, he explicitly said, ‘It is a legal issue and will be resolved accordingly.’
When asked if New Delhi could play any role through discussions or understanding between India and Bangladesh if Sheikh Hasina wished to return to her country as a Bangladeshi citizen, Jaiswal said that the Bangladesh High Commission is the most suitable authority to answer this question. He added that the High Commission would be able to communicate Bangladesh’s political stance on the matter.
Even when asked about the latest discussions between Delhi and Dhaka regarding the request for Sheikh Hasina’s extradition, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson reiterated their previous stance. He stated that the matter is legal and will be resolved according to the law.
Earlier, as part of her preparations to return to Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina applied for a new passport and national identity card. Her lawyers sent a letter to the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Monday regarding this matter.
According to information from the letter obtained by Reuters, this is one of Sheikh Hasina’s most significant steps in implementing her plan to return to Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasina has been residing in India since the student-people’s uprising in 2024 ended her long tenure in power. The Bangladeshi government has formally requested India multiple times for her extradition back to the country.
Sheikh Hasina has indicated her plan to return to Bangladesh in December. However, the extradition process, travel documents, and the current political situation in Bangladesh have become crucial factors regarding her return.
Particularly, with the Awami League’s political activities banned, new political and legal complexities may arise surrounding her potential return.
New Delhi’s latest statement emphasizes the legal process concerning the extradition issue. However, India has not entirely ruled out the possibility of discussions with Bangladesh on the matter. Consequently, the positions of Dhaka and Delhi regarding Sheikh Hasina’s return will gain significant importance in the coming days.
