Behind-the-scenes discussions over extraditing Sheikh Hasina

High-level activity has resumed regarding the repatriation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently residing in India. Just as political discussions over the extradition process are gaining a new dimension, the sudden visit to Dhaka by top officials of India's intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)—including its chief, Parag Jain—has sparked considerable speculation.

According to sources, discussions are underway at the highest levels on how the process of bringing Sheikh Hasina back to the country can proceed, what kind of consensus is needed within the country on this issue, and how the matter can be resolved within the overall framework of Dhaka-Delhi relations.

Sources indicate that the RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) delegation arrived at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on an Air India flight at 2:57 PM on Sunday for a 24-hour visit. The delegation was led by Parag Jain, the head of India's external intelligence agency, RAW. He was accompanied by the agency's directors, Ashwin Mukund Kotnis, Rahul Negi, and Shaibal Roy Chowdhury. The delegation departed Dhaka yesterday (Monday) on a flight at 3:30 PM.

Parag Jain was appointed as the chief of India's RAW in June 2025. Intelligence sources claim that delegation member Shaibal Roy Chowdhury has long-standing contacts with leaders from various levels of the Awami League. The source also claims he played a role in coordinating various matters for Awami League activists and leaders residing in India following the events of August 5, 2024.

Over the past two years, Bangladesh has requested India several times to extradite Sheikh Hasina. However, Delhi has not officially communicated any final decision regarding the extradition. In this context, some observers view the visit of the RAW chief to Dhaka as a new indication of high-level communication between Dhaka and Delhi. However, diplomatic sources suggest the visit was part of efforts to normalize Bangladesh-India relations.

Following the student-public uprising that ousted her from power, Bangladesh sent two letters to India on December 20 and 27, 2024, requesting handing over Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh, who had fled to India. Subsequently, on November 17, 2025, the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Sheikh Hasina to death in a case of crimes against humanity. After the verdict, on November 21, Bangladesh formally sent another letter to India requesting the extradition of Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Later, after the BNP formed the government, it was said that requests had been made to India from various levels of the government, including the Foreign Minister and the Prime Minister's foreign affairs advisor, to send Sheikh Hasina back. However, clear information is not available on whether the current government has formally sent a new extradition request memo.

Most recently, yesterday, Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka, Dinesh Trivedi met with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. It is known that the issue of Sheikh Hasina's extradition was raised during the discussions. Prior to this, on July 29, Dinesh Trivedi had stated that New Delhi was waiting to welcome Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on a visit to India.

Demand for Hasina's extradition raised in meeting with Home Minister: During yesterday's meeting between Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, the issue of extraditing Sheikh Hasina and other identified fugitive criminals residing in India was also raised. Bangladesh requested the swift return of Sheikh Hasina and other identified fugitive criminals under the existing prisoner exchange and extradition agreements. In response, the Indian High Commissioner said that India would legally examine the matters and decide accordingly.

Legal Framework and the Extradition Treaty

Bangladesh and India's extradition treaty has a specific legal framework regarding extraditable offenses. Following amendments in 2016, the extradition process has been simplified in some respects compared to the previous procedure. The amendment, which updated Article 10(3) of the bilateral treaty, allows for the extradition of convicted or under-trial criminals if a court in either country issues an arrest warrant. This was formalized when the two countries signed an agreement to amend the treaty on July 28, 2016, to facilitate the expedited extradition of fugitive criminals.

Where Sheikh Hasina Would Be Held Upon Return

Discussions have already begun regarding where Sheikh Hasina would be housed if she returns to the country. The Inspector General of Prisons, Brigadier General Syed Md. Motaher Hossain, told Agamir Somoy that there are special prisons for VIP inmates and that overall preparations are in place to house former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina there. However, he made it clear that everything depends on the government's decision.

Earlier this month, the Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, Md. Asaduzzaman, had said that if Sheikh Hasina returns, she will have to face the law. He commented that the matter would proceed through the legal process, and the law would take its own course.

Expert Opinions on the Extradition

International relations analyst Professor Shahab Enam Khan said that while an extradition treaty exists between Bangladesh and India, the issue is not purely legal; it also involves political and security questions. In his view, "If India has any concerns about Sheikh Hasina's safety or the risk of political assassination, Delhi will consider this matter seriously before any extradition." Professor Khan also believes that the overall political realities of the bilateral relationship and mutual trust are important factors.

Security analyst Major General (Retd.) Monirul Islam Akhand believes that any dialogue between the two countries is always positive. However, he thinks, "Discussions on sensitive and important issues usually take place at the government-to-government level. If a sensitive issue like Sheikh Hasina's extradition was raised in a meeting between the RAW chief and Bangladesh's top officials, then there is little scope to view it as a routine diplomatic visit."

Key Factors in the Repatriation Process

Analysts say three factors have now become most critical in bringing Sheikh Hasina back to the country:
What decision the Indian government makes regarding the extradition request.
How the legal process proceeds under the Bangladesh-India extradition treaty.
Whether any security, diplomatic, or political understanding issues are attached to her return.

While the legal path according to the extradition treaty is the primary foundation, political and diplomatic realities could also play a significant role throughout the entire process.