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India Extends Hasina’s Visa Amid BD’s Extradition Request
India has granted an extension to the visa of Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, despite growing pressure from Dhaka for her extradition. Hasina, 77, has been residing in India since fleeing Bangladesh in August last year, following widespread protests that led to her resignation.
The extension, approved by India’s Union Home Ministry through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), ensures that Hasina can remain in India for an undisclosed period. The Hindustan Times reports that although speculation about her seeking asylum has circulated, Indian officials have dismissed such claims, citing the absence of a formal legal framework for asylum seekers in the country.
The Bangladesh interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, formally requested Hasina’s extradition in a note verbale submitted to India’s Ministry of External Affairs on December 23. However, Indian officials have expressed concerns about the request's incompleteness, pointing to procedural gaps in the document that have yet to be addressed by Dhaka.
Additionally, Bangladesh's Department of Immigration and Passports recently revoked the passports of 97 individuals, including Hasina, in connection with alleged involvement in enforced disappearances and killings during the protests in July. Bangladesh’s International Criminal Tribunal has also issued a second arrest warrant against Hasina, demanding her appearance before the court by February 12 on charges of crimes against humanity.
Further complicating the situation, Major General (retired) ALM Fazlur Rahman, head of Bangladesh's National Independent Investigation Commission, announced plans to seek official approval for a commission visit to India. This commission aims to interrogate Hasina regarding the 2009 killings of 74 people by the Bangladesh Rifles.
India's Stance
India has adopted a cautious approach to the situation. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that it is for Hasina to decide her future. “As far as former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is concerned, we don’t have an update on her plans. It is for her to take things forward,” Jaiswal said.
Meanwhile, Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, based in the United States, has vehemently denied rumors about her seeking political asylum or facing a visa revocation. He further clarified that Hasina had no intention of seeking asylum in another country, noting that the UK had reportedly blocked any such possibility under its immigration rules.