English Reader

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India in August 2024 following mass protests that led to the fall of her government, has recently had her Indian visa extended. This extension comes amid Bangladesh’s interim government’s request for her extradition to face charges related to alleged crimes during her tenure.

The Bangladeshi interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has stated that visa extensions are irrelevant once a passport has been canceled. On January 9, 2025, Bangladesh’s Department of Immigration and Passports revoked the passports of 97 individuals, including Sheikh Hasina, citing their alleged involvement in enforced disappearances and killings during the protests in July 2024. Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam commented, “If a passport is canceled, the issue of a visa no longer exists.”

Despite the visa extension, Bangladesh maintains that Hasina’s status in India does not affect their extradition request. The interim government has officially sought her repatriation to stand trial on charges of mass killings during the Anti-Discrimination Student’s Movement, which culminated in the toppling of her Awami League government on August 5, 2024. As of now, India has acknowledged the receipt of the extradition request but has not responded.

In Bangladesh, there have been significant public demonstrations demanding Hasina’s prosecution. Thousands, led by student groups, have rallied in Dhaka, calling for her trial and the banning of her Awami League party. The International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh has issued arrest warrants for Hasina and several former officials, accusing them of crimes against humanity and genocide.

The situation remains complex, with diplomatic and legal considerations influencing the proceedings. India’s decision to extend Hasina’s visa, despite the cancellation of her Bangladeshi passport and the pending extradition request, adds layers to the ongoing discussions between the two nations.