Sheikh Hasina’s Stay In India Hinges On ‘Circumstances’ Of Her Arrival, Says EAM Jaishankar at HTLS 2025
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday indicated that the duration of ousted Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India remains tied to the specific conditions under which she arrived in New Delhi in August last year. The former leader was sentenced to death for crimes against humanity by a Bangladesh tribunal court last month.
Addressing the 23rd Hindustan Times Leadership Summit, Jaishankar responded to queries about whether Hasina could remain in India indefinitely. “That’s a different issue, isn’t it?” he remarked, emphasizing that her arrival under a “certain circumstance” would influence what happens next.
“And, you know, I think that circumstance clearly sort of is a factor in what happens to her. But again, that is something which she has to make up her mind,” the External Affairs Minister added.
Death Sentence and Bangladesh’s Extradition Demand
On November 17, a tribunal court in Bangladesh convicted Sheikh Hasina of committing crimes against humanity during the 2024 student uprising and sentenced her to death. Former interior minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal also received the death penalty, while former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun was given a reduced five-year prison term after cooperating with investigators and pleading guilty in July.
Sheikh Hasina rejected the verdict, calling it “rigged” and “politically motivated” by what she described as a “kangaroo court.” Following the sentencing, Bangladesh formally requested India to extradite both Hasina and Kamal, invoking the bilateral extradition treaty and asserting that New Delhi is obligated to return the convicted leaders.
India acknowledged the verdict in its official response. “As a close neighbour, India remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including in peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country,” the Ministry of External Affairs stated.
HTLS 2025 Highlights
The External Affairs Minister was among prominent speakers at this year’s summit, which included Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and actors Hugh Grant and Aamir Khan. The 23rd edition of the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit, themed “Transforming Tomorrow,” brought together leaders and changemakers from politics, business, sports, health, science, and entertainment to discuss innovation, resilience, and growth shaping the current era.