'Issues related to Sheikh Hasina need consultations with Bangladesh,' says Misri

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has said that issues surrounding Bangladesh’s former prime minister Sheikh Hasina are “judicial and legal” and require “consultations” between the two countries.

“We are examining these issues. We look forward to working together with Bangladesh authorities on these issues,” Misri said at the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh in New Delhi.

What is the issue?

Months after Hasina fled to New Delhi seeking exile amid anti-government protests in August 2024, the Bangladesh government formally requested her extradition on December 23, 2024.

Dhaka sent a note verbale to India’s Ministry of External Affairs on the same day, seeking Hasina’s return to face the “judicial process.” The Press Secretary to Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser stated, “We want our relations with India to be based on fairness, equality and dignity.”

Earlier this year, the country’s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus slammed the Indian government for “backing” Hasina, saying ties are strained between India and Bangladesh because New Delhi didn’t like last year’s developments.

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“They are hosting Hasina who created all the problems and killed young people (to quell protests),” he said.

‘Back free and fair elections’

When asked about reports that New Delhi is attempting to reinstate Sheikh Hasina, who is being tried in absentia for “crimes against humanity” in Bangladesh, and her banned party, Misri said India supports only an early election in Bangladesh to give the people a chance to express their mandate through a popularly elected government.

“I want to be very, very clear on this one matter. If there is any doubt in anybody’s mind, India is firmly in favour of free, fair, inclusive, and participatory elections in Bangladesh. And it is in favour of these elections being held at the earliest possible time,” he said.

He added, “We remain ready to engage with any government that emerges from this election with a popular mandate.”