Sheikh Hasina’s extradition possible via ‘well-structured’ process: India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh

India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, stated on October 3, 2026, that the extradition of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina could occur through a "well-structured process" involving "legalities" and that such a legal framework was already in place. Trivedi made these remarks while addressing a student at the Bay of Bengal Conversation, an annual gathering organized by the Dhaka-based Centre for Governance Studies where Hasina was present.

He clarified that Hasina had sought refuge in India following consultations among Bangladesh's ruling government in July-August 2024. India, Trivedi emphasized, had little choice but to accept her presence due to the tragic circumstances in Bangladesh at the time. He also noted that Bangladesh's current government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has repeatedly demanded Hasina's extradition to face justice for the July-August 2024 crackdown that resulted in the deaths of at least 800 civilians, including students.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights estimated the death toll to be around 1,400. Trivedi reiterated that a legal process was firmly in place and that India being a democratic nation would respect this process, though he was unable to provide a specific timeline for extradition. The extradition treaty between India and Bangladesh was signed in 2013, with specified grounds for halting it, including offenses of a political nature.

Trivedi also highlighted the tragic circumstances in Bangladesh that led to Hasina's refuge in India, noting that Bangladesh's then government facilitated her evacuation from Dhaka on August 5, 2024, with no involvement from India's Air Force or Army. He added that if Bangladesh had refused this offer, the situation would have been different.

In November 2025, Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Hasina and her Home Minister to death, and in September 2026, several of her former colleagues received similar sentences. India and Bangladesh have been engaged in discussions about hosting Rahman in New Delhi since India's High Commissioner arrived in Dhaka on June 12.

Meanwhile, Hasina participated in a virtual press conference in New Delhi on August 5, which sparked controversy and strained bilateral relations. Rahman's administration has urged India to prevent Hasina from engaging in political activities from India. Hasina has reportedly declared her intention to return to Bangladesh by December.