US hopes Bangladesh and India will reach a decision on Hasina through discussion
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
The United States hopes that Bangladesh and India will discuss and reach a resolution regarding the future of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity. However, the Trump administration said that Washington has not yet taken any specific stance on what should be done with Sheikh Hasina.
A US State Department official made these remarks during an on-background briefing in New York on Wednesday local time. Journalists from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka participated in the briefing titled "US Policy in Support of a Stable, Prosperous, and Sovereign South Asia."
Sheikh Hasina has been residing in India since being ousted in the face of a mass movement in 2024. In November last year, Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal sentenced her to death in absentia in a case involving crimes against humanity tied to that movement.
Facing a execution verdict, Sheikh Hasina announced her intention to return home by next December and surrender before the court. At the same time, she sought assurances for her security and the opportunity to challenge the trial proceedings conducted in her absence.
Under these circumstances, journalists at the New York briefing inquired about the United States' position regarding Sheikh Hasina. In response, the US State Department official said that the US has not taken any formal stance on this matter yet.
He mentioned that the issue has become a major point of contention in relations between Bangladesh and India. Therefore, the US hopes the two countries will discuss the matter between themselves and reach a solution. However, Washington has not offered any specific opinion on what should be done with Sheikh Hasina.
During the briefing, questions were also raised about the possibility of a meeting between Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and US President Donald Trump or the US Secretary of State. Additionally, journalists asked about the lifting of restrictions on Awami League activities and US-China relations.
When asked about the US position on lifting restrictions on the Awami League, the official declined to comment on Bangladesh's internal politics. However, he said that relations between the US and Bangladesh, as well as with the BNP, are currently in a "very excellent" state.
The US official further pointed out that the United States wishes to continue working with the elected government. The US remains interested in supporting ongoing efforts to make Bangladesh stronger and more secure, while also continuing cooperation for the country's prosperity.
He also emphasized during the briefing that commenting on Bangladesh's internal political matters would not be appropriate.
