Sheikh Hasina’s Situation
After the coup in Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, who was the Prime Minister, came to India. She now faces a tough situation. Her only options are to either return to Bangladesh, where she faces legal cases, or stay in India, which might not be an easy choice for the Indian government.
Why Sheikh Hasina Can’t Leave India
Sheikh Hasina’s diplomatic passport has been canceled by the interim government in Bangladesh led by Mohammad Yunus. Without a passport, she cannot travel to any other country. Her only option seems to be staying in India. However, if she goes back to Bangladesh, she would be immediately arrested due to several serious charges against her and her family.
Charges Against Sheikh Hasina
The interim government in Bangladesh has filed over 30 serious cases against Sheikh Hasina, including 26 for murder, 4 for genocide, and 1 for kidnapping. More cases against her family are also being prepared. This makes it extremely risky for her to return to Bangladesh.
How Long Can Sheikh Hasina Stay in India?
Sheikh Hasina can stay in India, but the question is for how long. If Bangladesh’s government formally requests her extradition, India would have to consider the request. India and Bangladesh have an extradition treaty, which means if Bangladesh requests her return, India would be obligated to comply.
Extradition Treaty Details
The extradition treaty between India and Bangladesh has been in place since 2013. It requires countries to return criminals who are found in another country. India has previously extradited criminals from various countries and has even brought back its own criminals from Bangladesh.
What If Bangladesh Requests Extradition?
If Bangladesh requests Sheikh Hasina’s extradition, India will have to address the situation carefully. While currently, her stay in India is based on political asylum, a formal request from Bangladesh could complicate matters. This would not only affect bilateral relations but also involve international diplomacy.
Example of India Granting Asylum
India has previously granted asylum to leaders from other countries. A notable example is the Dalai Lama, who was given asylum in India in 1959 when he fled Tibet due to Chinese aggression. Despite the long-term stay of the Dalai Lama, managing Sheikh Hasina’s situation might present unique challenges for the Indian government.
Conclusion
The decision about Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India will ultimately be made by the Indian government and its foreign ministry. The complexities of international relations and legal obligations will play a significant role in the final decision.