India Extends Sheikh Hasina’s Visa Amid Bangladesh’s Push for Extradition

NEW DELHI: India has granted an extension to the visa of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been residing in India since August 5, 2024.

This move comes amid increasing demands from Bangladesh’s interim government for her extradition. The government of Bangladesh has revoked Hasina’s passport, along with the passports of 96 other individuals, citing their involvement in alleged enforced disappearances and killings that took place in July 2024.

Sheikh Hasina, 77, fled Bangladesh following large-scale protests led by students that resulted in the overthrow of her Awami League (AL) party’s 16-year rule. Following these events, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) issued arrest warrants against Hasina, several of her former Cabinet ministers, advisors, and military and civil officials, accusing them of crimes against humanity and genocide. The tribunal has set a deadline of February 12, 2025, for action.

In addition to revoking Hasina’s passport, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder confirmed that 22 other individuals had their passports canceled due to alleged involvement in enforced disappearances. The names of the remaining individuals affected were not disclosed by the government.

The diplomatic situation continues to evolve as Bangladesh presses India for Hasina’s return, while the Indian government has yet to make an official statement on the matter.

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