India Reportedly Sets Terms for Sheikh Hasina’s Return
India has reportedly outlined two conditions for facilitating former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s return to Dhaka, including military supervision of her transfer and guarantees of a fair trial. The reported proposal comes as Hasina prepares for a possible return in December 2026, more than two years after fleeing Bangladesh following widespread anti-government protests.
India Wants Bangladesh Army to Handle Hasina’s Return
According to reports citing unnamed Indian officials, New Delhi wants the Bangladesh Army to take responsibility for transporting Hasina back to her country.
Hasina arrived in India aboard a Bangladeshi military aircraft on August 5, 2024, after her government collapsed amid mass protests.
Under the reported arrangement, Bangladesh could send a military aircraft to New Delhi or arrange for military personnel to receive her at a designated land border crossing.
India is reportedly willing to coordinate the necessary logistical arrangements.
India Seeks Fair Trial Guarantees for Sheikh Hasina
The second reported condition concerns Hasina’s legal rights following her conviction by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal.
New Delhi reportedly wants Dhaka to guarantee that Hasina can appeal her death sentence and receive a fresh trial over allegations connected to the July 2024 protest crackdown.
Indian officials are also understood to be concerned about her personal safety after returning.
However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not officially confirmed either condition.
Sheikh Hasina Plans December Return to Bangladesh
Hasina has expressed her intention to return to Bangladesh in December, despite acknowledging the possibility of arrest, imprisonment or threats to her life.
Her continued stay in India has complicated diplomatic relations with the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Bangladesh has repeatedly sought her extradition, but New Delhi maintains that the matter must follow established legal procedures.
No agreement on Hasina’s return has been officially announced.
