In a dilemma: On Sheikh Hasina and India-Bangladesh ties

Source: The post “In a dilemma: On Sheikh Hasina and India-Bangladesh ties” has been created based on “In a dilemma: On Sheikh Hasina and India-Bangladesh ties” published in “The Hindu” on 13th November 2026.

UPSC Syllabus: GS 2 – International Relations

Context: The political developments in Bangladesh following the 2024 uprising have created a diplomatic dilemma for India, particularly regarding former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently residing in India.

Major Developments:

1. Sheikh Hasina recently applied for a new Bangladeshi passport and national identity card through the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi.
2. Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, rejected the application and indicated that it would seek her return through the extradition agreement as a prisoner transfer process.
3. Hasina has expressed her intention to return to Bangladesh in December to defend her case and rebuild her political party, the Awami League.
4. She was convicted by a tribunal for ordering a crackdown on thousands of students during the 2024 protests and was sentenced to death.
5. The political environment in Bangladesh remains hostile towards her, with bipartisan support for banning the Awami League from politics.
6. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government faces a dilemma because allowing her to return could trigger protests and violence, while preventing her return could strengthen its opposition, Jamaat-e-Islami.
7. Any execution of Hasina could also invite strong international criticism.

Challenges for India:

1. Diplomatic Relations: India-Bangladesh relations have deteriorated following Hasina’s announcement of her return and the cancellation of the Bangladeshi Prime Minister’s visit to India.
2. Extradition Dilemma: India must balance its bilateral extradition obligations with concerns regarding Hasina’s safety and the circumstances of her possible return.
3. Regional Stability: Her return could trigger political protests and violence in Bangladesh, affecting regional stability.
4. Water Diplomacy: The India-Bangladesh Ganga Water Treaty is due to expire, and negotiations for its extension have also suffered.
5. Humanitarian Concerns: India cannot physically prevent Hasina from travelling to Dhaka or crossing the land border at Petrapole, and must remain concerned about her welfare.

Way Forward:

1. India must strengthen diplomatic engagement with the Bangladeshi government to restore mutual trust.
2. Both countries should separate bilateral cooperation from their differences over Hasina’s political future.
3. India must carefully handle the extradition issue while considering legal obligations, due process and humanitarian concerns.
4. Both countries should prioritise the extension of the Ganga Water Treaty and other areas of mutual cooperation.
5. India must continue its diplomatic efforts to improve bilateral relations while ensuring the safety and welfare of Sheikh Hasina.

Conclusion: India needs a balanced diplomatic approach that protects its strategic interests, maintains regional stability and safeguards humanitarian considerations while strengthening bilateral ties with Bangladesh.

Question: India must balance its bilateral relations with Bangladesh while ensuring the safety and welfare of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Discuss the diplomatic challenges involved and suggest a way forward.

Source: The Hindu