Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister of Bangladesh, has been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity related to a violent crackdown on student protests, creating a diplomatic crisis with India where she has taken refuge. This conviction tests the long-standing alliance between the two nations, with Bangladesh demanding her extradition and India reluctant to comply.
The International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka delivered the verdict on November 17, 2025, finding Hasina guilty of ordering security forces to suppress widespread student-led demonstrations that began in July 2024. The protests, initially over government job quotas, escalated into calls for her resignation after a brutal response that resulted in hundreds of deaths. Hasina, who had been in power for 15 years, was ousted and fled to New Delhi in August 2024, where she remains under India’s protection. The sentencing marks a significant moment in Bangladesh’s turbulent political history.
The crackdown that led to Hasina’s conviction saw security forces clash with protesters in Dhaka and other cities, with estimates suggesting up to 1,400 people were killed, according to United Nations reports. Students and activists had taken to the streets demanding democratic reforms and an end to Hasina’s authoritarian rule, which was characterized by allegations of human rights abuses, including forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. The violence forced Hasina to step down, paving the way for Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus to lead an interim government until elections scheduled for early 2026.
Diplomatic tensions have soared since the verdict, with Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally requesting India to extradite Hasina under a bilateral extradition agreement. Dhaka has described India’s refusal as a “highly unfriendly act” and a disregard for justice. However, India has cited exceptions in the treaty for political offenses and views the case as politically motivated, stemming from the interim government’s anti-India stance. This standoff has put the two neighbors at odds, with public sentiment in Bangladesh turning increasingly negative towards India.
India faces a complex dilemma in handling Hasina’s exile. Experts like Michael Kugelman note that extraditing her would betray a key ally and undermine India’s principle of standing by friends, but maintaining the status quo risks further straining relations with Bangladesh’s current leadership. Options such as persuading Hasina to remain silent or finding a third country for asylum are fraught with challenges, as she continues to lead her Awami League party from abroad. India’s decision is complicated by its strategic interests in the region.
The India-Bangladesh relationship is deeply intertwined, with India being Bangladesh’s second-largest trading partner after China, and bilateral trade reaching nearly $13 billion last year. India provides crucial energy supplies, concessional loans, and infrastructure support, while Bangladesh relies on Indian markets and transit routes. This economic interdependence means that neither country can easily disengage, despite political friction. Historical ties, rooted in India’s support during Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence, add layers to the current strain.
Under Yunus’s interim government, Bangladesh has embarked on a foreign policy shift aimed at reducing its dependence on India. This includes canceling judicial exchanges, renegotiating energy deals, and strengthening ties with China, Pakistan, and Turkey. Analysts describe this as an effort to “de-Indianise” Bangladesh’s diplomacy, reflecting broader public discontent with India’s perceived support for Hasina’s regime. A recent survey showed over 75% of Bangladeshis view China positively, compared to only 11% for India.
Looking ahead, the future of India-Bangladesh relations hinges on the outcome of Bangladesh’s upcoming elections. If a credible elected government takes charge, it could open avenues for renegotiating the relationship and mitigating damage. Experts like Avinash Paliwal suggest that India should engage patiently with all stakeholders in Dhaka, including the military, to navigate this period of uncertainty. The key will be whether the next government allows the Hasina issue to dominate bilateral talks or focuses on shared interests like trade and security.
Ultimately, while a full-blown crisis may be avoidable, ties are likely to remain fragile. India must balance its moral commitments with pragmatic diplomacy, and Bangladesh’s new leadership will need to manage domestic anti-India sentiments while preserving essential economic and security cooperation. The resolution of this standoff will not only shape bilateral relations but also influence regional stability in South Asia.
