Jaishankar says Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India is entirely her choice
External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar said on Saturday that former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India is a “personal decision” shaped by the circumstances that compelled her to flee to New Delhi.
Responding to a question at the HT Leadership Summit on whether Hasina could remain in India “as long as she wants,” Jaishankar said, “She came here under certain circumstances, and those circumstances clearly influence what happens next. But ultimately, it is for her to decide.”
He reiterated India’s long-standing position in favor of a credible and democratic political process in Bangladesh.
Reflecting on Bangladesh’s past political turmoil, Jaishankar noted, “We heard that people in Bangladesh—especially those currently in power—had concerns about how previous elections were conducted. If the elections were indeed the issue, then the priority now must be to hold a fair election.”
Jaishankar expressed confidence about future ties between the two neighbors, adding that whatever emerges from Bangladesh’s democratic process is likely to reflect a “balanced and mature view” of its relationship with India, and that bilateral relations could further improve.
Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh for 15 years, fled to India in August 2024 following massive student-led protests that left hundreds dead and thousands injured. She resigned shortly before escaping.
Recently, a Bangladeshi International Crimes Tribunal sentenced her to death for alleged crimes against humanity related to the protests. The court found her guilty on three counts, concluding a months-long trial which determined that she had ordered a violent crackdown on the uprising that toppled her Awami League government.
Dhaka has repeatedly sought her extradition, which New Delhi has stated is still “under consideration.”
Bangladesh is currently being run by a caretaker government headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Source: News18
