Bangladesh to Sheikh Hasina: Come Back and Face the Death Penalty Trial

Bangladesh's new government has "welcomed" former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's plans to return from exile while stating that she must face the death penalty for her role in the 2024 crackdown on student protesters.

78-year-old Hasina has been living in India since August 2024 after a popular uprising led to the collapse of her regime and forced her to flee her country.

Responding to recent reports that Hasina is preparing a return to revive her Awami League party, Zahed Ur Rahman, a key advisor to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, dared the ousted leader to defend herself in court against charges of "crimes against humanity", NDTV reported.

"We welcome her announcement as we want to ensure justice," Rahman told reporters at a press briefing. "The people of the country want her death penalty to be upheld for the crimes she committed... Let her bring the best lawyers in the world."

Last November, the exiled Prime Minister Hasina was sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal (Bangladesh).

Zahed Ur Rahman has assured that the tribunal's proceedings would remain fully transparent, broadcast via video, and open to international monitors. He added that the court retains the legal authority to revise the verdict or acquit her if the defense proves its case.

New Delhi's Tightrope Walk

India has stated that its stand remains unchanged. "There is no change in our approach to the matter. Any extradition matter is a legal issue, and it will be dealt with accordingly," PTI quoted External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal as telling reporters on Tuesday.

Since the November verdict, Dhaka has repeatedly pressed India to hand over the deposed leader. At the same time, New Delhi has sought to improve ties with Dhaka.

Bilateral relations hit a historic low after the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government took over in late 2024. Relations have improved in recent months as both countries work to address bilateral issues.

In February, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri traveled to Dhaka to attend Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's inauguration.

Thereafter, Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman visited New Delhi, marking the first high-level visit by a senior BNP government official to India after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government.