India has extended the visa of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh's deposed Prime Minister, who fled to India in August 2024 amidst a surge of violent student protests that engulfed Dhaka. The protests, which were triggered by allegations of government corruption and repression, escalated into a full-blown crisis, leading to over 500 reported deaths and significant political upheaval. Hasina’s decision to leave the country was seen as a strategic move to avoid potential detention by the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Since her arrival in India, Hasina has remained a prominent figure in regional politics, drawing attention to the evolving crisis in Bangladesh.
While India has not formally granted Hasina asylum, the extension of her visa underscores a cautious yet significant step by New Delhi in navigating its complex relationship with Dhaka. Officials clarified that India does not have specific legislation for granting asylum, and the extension should not be interpreted as a precursor to offering permanent refuge. However, the move comes at a time when Bangladesh's interim government is increasing pressure on New Delhi, formally requesting Hasina's extradition on December 23. The request alleges her involvement in violent incidents and enforced disappearances during the 2024 protests.
In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh's immigration department recently announced the cancellation of 97 passports, including that of Sheikh Hasina. According to Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, a spokesperson for the Yunus administration, the cancellations were tied to investigations into enforced disappearances and killings linked to the protests. Majumder elaborated that 22 individuals were implicated directly in disappearances, while 75 others, including Hasina, faced allegations connected to violent clashes in July 2024. These actions have sparked widespread criticism, with opposition parties and human rights organizations accusing the interim government of using politically motivated charges to eliminate dissent.
Critics argue that the extradition demand and passport cancellations are part of a broader strategy by the Yunus-led administration to consolidate power ahead of Bangladesh's next general elections. Human rights advocates have raised concerns about the lack of due process and the risks of a politically biased trial if Hasina were to be extradited. These developments have further polarized Bangladesh’s political landscape, with supporters of Sheikh Hasina viewing her as a victim of a calculated campaign to tarnish her legacy and neutralize her influence.
For India, the situation presents a delicate diplomatic challenge. Sheikh Hasina’s prolonged stay does not pose an immediate threat to bilateral relations, but Bangladesh’s extradition demand complicates matters significantly. India shares a historically strong relationship with Bangladesh, particularly under Hasina’s leadership, which was marked by enhanced economic and security cooperation. At the same time, India must tread carefully to avoid being perceived as interfering in Bangladesh’s internal affairs or taking sides in its political turmoil.
Analysts suggest that India’s decision to extend Hasina’s visa reflects a strategy of calculated ambiguity. By ensuring her safety while refraining from making a definitive statement on her future, New Delhi is attempting to strike a balance between supporting a key regional ally and maintaining neutrality in Bangladesh’s domestic politics. The move also signals India’s interest in safeguarding its strategic interests in South Asia, including border security, trade routes, and counter-terrorism cooperation.
Sheikh Hasina’s case has drawn significant international attention. Several global human rights organizations and foreign governments have expressed concerns over the allegations against her, urging Bangladesh to uphold democratic norms and ensure fair treatment. The Yunus administration, however, has defended its actions, asserting that the charges are based on credible evidence and are necessary for ensuring accountability and justice.
As the political drama continues to unfold, Sheikh Hasina’s future remains uncertain. Her extended stay in India highlights the growing complexity of regional geopolitics, with her case serving as a litmus test for India’s ability to navigate sensitive political crises in its neighbourhood. Observers believe that New Delhi will continue to monitor the situation closely, weighing its options while keeping an eye on the broader implications for stability in South Asia. For now, Sheikh Hasina remains a symbol of resilience and a focal point in Bangladesh’s deeply fractured political landscape, with her fate poised to shape the trajectory of the nation’s future.
