Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh following the fall of her government, a political move that immediately drew regional attention. Recently, the courts in Bangladesh issued a verdict against her, bringing legal accountability into focus.
Her continued presence in India has now transformed a political episode into a matter of regional trust, treaty obligations, and the credibility of South Asian diplomacy.
Bangladesh’s interim government has formally requested her extradition under the 2013 Extradition Treaty, emphasizing due process and respect for national legal mandates. By following formal procedures, Dhaka underscores that sovereignty and legal accountability cannot be overshadowed by political considerations or convenience.
India, while acknowledging the request, has not committed to any course of action. Some analysts in India have suggested that the political-offence exemption in the treaty could apply, though the government has avoided confirming this publicly. Such ambiguity risks conveying the perception that treaty obligations may be selectively interpreted, undermining regional trust.
A principled application of international agreements is essential for South Asia, where smaller states depend on the consistency and fairness of powerful neighbours.
The Hasina case also reflects a broader regional shift. Bangladesh’s insistence on formal extradition channels signals that smaller states are increasingly ready to assert their rights and demand fairness, even when interacting with larger neighbours. Upholding these legal processes is vital to fostering a predictable and stable regional environment.
The implications extend beyond India and Bangladesh. The handling of this case will influence regional perceptions of how seriously India honours its international commitments. If political considerations are allowed to override treaty obligations, the credibility of regional agreements suffers, and smaller states may increasingly question the reliability of legal frameworks designed to protect them.
Bangladesh’s measured, legal, and transparent approach sets a strong precedent for South Asia. India’s response will be closely observed, not only for its immediate impact but also for what it signals about the respect for sovereignty, treaties, and the rules-based order in the region.
The decisions taken now will shape regional dynamics and trust for years to come.
Ultimately, the Hasina extradition dispute is not merely a bilateral issue—it is a test of whether South Asia can operate on the principles of fairness, integrity, and respect for sovereignty.
Diplomacy, consistency in treaty adherence, and principled decision-making remain the cornerstones of lasting regional stability.
