'Committed to best interests of the people of Bangladesh': India reacts to death sentence against Sheikh Hasina

India on Monday (November 17, 2025) reacted to the tribunal-issued death sentence against former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was convicted of “crimes against humanity” linked to last year’s student protests in Dhaka that ultimately led to her ouster.

“India remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including in peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country,” the Ministry of External Affairs said.

“We will always engage constructively with all stakeholders to that end,” the statement added.

The Indian response comes after Bangladesh requested the extradition of the “fugitive accused” Sheikh Hasina, calling it an “obligatory responsibility” for New Delhi to ensure her return.

Hasina had fled to India after her government fell in August last year following the massive students-led protests.

Hasina found guilty, sentenced to death

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) convicted Hasina on three charges: incitement, ordering killings, and failing to prevent atrocities.

“We have decided to inflict her with only one sentence — that is, sentence of death,” the court ruled.

No democratic mandate: Hasina

Rejecting the verdict, Hasina called it the work of a “rigged tribunal established and presided over by an unelected government with no democratic mandate.”

Alongside Hasina, former Interior Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal was also sentenced to death in absentia, found guilty on four counts of “crimes against humanity.”

Bangladesh seeks Hasina’s return from India

Bangladesh’s foreign ministry cited an extradition agreement with India, urging the return of the former prime minister, who has been residing in New Delhi since her ouster.

“Providing refuge to these individuals, who have been convicted of crimes against humanity, by any other country would be a highly unfriendly act and a disregard for justice,” the Bangladeshi ministry said.

In a separate statement in Bangla, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry said that any country granting asylum to Hasina or Khan would be violating international law.

“The tribunal has urged all nations to cooperate in arresting these two individuals and handing them over to Bangladeshi authorities. The tribunal has also requested the United Nations to take necessary measures to ensure their extradition to Bangladesh,” the statement said.