Bangladesh and India are preparing for a high-level Foreign Secretary meeting in Dhaka next month, with discussions likely to cover a range of bilateral issues, including the potential extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India. At the Foreign Ministry's weekly briefing on Thursday, Director General of the Public Diplomacy Wing Toufique Hasan confirmed that an inter-ministerial meeting has already taken place to coordinate preparations for the upcoming talks. The Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) is scheduled to be held early December in Dhaka. “There is scope for discussion on the matter (extradition of Sheikh Hasina),” Hasan said at a weekly media briefing. Sheikh Hasina, who fled Dhaka on August 5 and has been residing in India since then, is facing trial in Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal for alleged involvement in mass killings during the July-August uprising. While the government intends to bring her back, Hasan emphasized that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet received any formal directive to initiate the extradition process. “We will engage with Delhi and begin the formal process in accordance with the existing extradition treaty once we receive the necessary instructions,” he clarified in response to queries. The FOC will be led by Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin and Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Regarding the review of existing agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between the two countries, Hasan noted that these fall under the jurisdiction of various ministries in Bangladesh. “Consultations with all relevant stakeholders are crucial, and implementing any measure will take time,” he said, adding that although there has been limited progress over the past 100 days, there is hope for “significant progress” in the coming months. On the topic of Indian visas, Hasan confirmed that the Indian Visa Center is operational but is currently prioritizing medical and student visa applications. He also addressed the issue of negative media campaigns in certain Indian outlets against Bangladesh. No decision yet on repatriation of Sheikh Hasina: MoFA Concerning direct air travel between Dhaka and Karachi, Hasan informed that Pakistan had submitted a request to resume connectivity. “The matter is under review and has been forwarded to the Ministry of Civil Aviation,” the Foreign Ministry official added, noting that updates will be provided in due course.

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has ordered its investigation agency to submit reports within one month in two cases filed against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 45 others over the killings and crimes against humanity committed during the July-August mass uprising. The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, passed the order, said tribunal’s chief prosecutor Advocate Md Tajul Islam. Besides, the court ordered the investigation agency to update it about the absconding accused and set December 17 for holding a hearing over the matter, he said. Read: ICT chief prosecutor writers to IGP over Interpol red notice for Hasina, others Earlier in the morning, 13 accused, including nine former ministers of the ousted Awami League government, were produced before tribunal in cases over the killings during the student-led mass movement. ICT chief prosecutor Md Tajul Islam said they were produced before the tribunal after showing them arrested in cases over crimes against humanity. All the accused are now behind the bars in other cases, he added. Read: 13 AL ex-ministers, advisers produced before ICT Those who were produced before the tribunal were former law minister Anisul Huq, civil aviation and tourism minister Lt Col (retd) Faruk Khan, Workers Party president Rashed Khan Menon, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal president Hasanul Haq Inu, former state minister for posts, telecommunications and information technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak, former prime minister's power, energy and mineral resources adviser Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury. Ex-minister Dr Dipu Moni, Hasina’s adviser and businessman Salman F Rahman, former minister Kamal Ahmed Majumder, former minister Golam Dastagir Gazi, former justice Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, former home secretary Jahangir Alam and former minister Dipu Moni were among them. Though former agriculture minister Dr Abdur Razzak was supposed to be produced with the above ones, he could not be produced due to his illness. Earlier, on October 27, the ICT ordered the 14 accused to be produced on November 18. Besides, the court ordered former IGP Abdullah Al Mamun, former army official Ziaul Ahsan, former police officials Abdullah Al Kafi, Arafat Hossain, Abul Hasan and Mazharul Islam be produced on November 20. Various complaints, including that of killings, torture, abduction and harassment, were lodged with the ICT after the Sheikh Hasina-led regime was toppled on August 5. Read more: We’ll seek repatriation of dictator Sheikh Hasina: Prof Yunus Chief Prosecutor Md Tajul Islam wrote to IGP Md Moinul Islam to take initiatives to issue red notice through Interpol to bring back former PM Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives. Over 1,000 people were killed and many injured during the July and August uprising which began as protests over government jobs and later escalated into an anti-government movement, leading to widespread violence and the end of Hasina's 15-year rule.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman has said that the judiciary had played a facilitating role in establishing Sheikh Hasina's authoritarian rule. He also criticised a section of the media for aiding in the entrenchment of such governance. Dr Iftekharuzzaman made the remarks on Saturday while inaugurating a training workshop on investigative journalism related to legal affairs at the Midas Centre in Dhaka. Appoint ACC leadership above political, bureaucratic influences: TIB The workshop was jointly organised by TIB and the Supreme Court Reporters Forum (SRF). “The judiciary and media's independence are intrinsically linked,” he emphasised. “To reap the benefits of a functional judiciary, political reforms are imperative. Journalists can play a significant role in driving this change.” He said the judiciary and sections of the media, which are meant to ensure accountability, had instead been complicit in enabling authoritarian practices. Supreme Court Reporters Forum's President Masudur Rahman and General Secretary, Golam Rabbani also spoke at the event. Additional Attorney General Anik R Haque assured journalists of legal support in cases involving allegations of contempt of court. The workshop aimed to empower journalists with skills in uncovering judicial irregularities, focusing on the critical intersection of law and investigative reporting.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday said his party, if returns to power, will build Bangladesh in such a way so that no one, not even the Prime Minister, can abuse power or emerge as an autocrat. Speaking virtually at a seminar from London, he also said their party will transform the country into a democratic and humane nation, ensuring people’s basic human rights, freedom of expression and press freedom. BNP demands overseas treatment for critically injured July uprising victims “We want to ensure, and will do our utmost, so that no person, not even the Prime Minister, will be able to abuse power and become a dictator in future Bangladesh,” the BNP leader said. He also said from the highest levels of the state to every level of government, accountability and the rule of law would be upheld, ensuring that no one is above the law. Despite differences in political ideologies, Tarique noted that a unity had already been forged among democratic political parties in the country to build a democratic Bangladesh. “We are all united in our commitment to rebuild Bangladesh in such a way that autocrats or fascists will never be able to raise their heads again,” he said. Tarique also expressed the BNP’s vision of a Bangladesh where no one could infringe upon the rights and freedoms of any citizen. “We all want a safe and secure Bangladesh where people's aspirations are reflected, and where an elected and accountable government ensures people's ownership and participation.” During Sheikh Hasina's fascism, the BNP leader said, the nation had witnessed the so-called politics of development, which was primarily based on corruption, misrule, and criminalisation.  “In contrast, if BNP forms the government through the people's vote, you will witness the politics of people's empowerment and partnership, guided by our 31-point outline. Rule of law, human rights and freedom of speech will be the basis of our state governance,” he assured. The BNP organised a seminar on its 31-point outline for the reform of the state structure at a city hotel. Diplomats from various foreign missions stationed in Dhaka, members of civil society, and representatives from different political parties attended the seminar. Tarique said almost all the reform proposals currently being discussed in the country are included in BNP’s 31-point outline. “I understand the purpose of reform as not merely changing a few sentences of the Constitution, but transforming the fortunes of the people. To ensure that a dictatorial system does not repeat in Bangladesh, he said BNP wants to include a provision in the constitution that no one can serve as Prime Minister for more than two consecutive terms. The BNP leader also said his party wants a balance of power between the legislative, judicial, and executive branches. “We aim to introduce a bicameral parliamentary system to ensure the representation and participation of society's intellectuals in the governance of the state.” He said an inclusive, liberal, and democratic Bangladesh must be built. “We all have a long way to go in unison. The pace of this march must be swift but steady, with specific goals.” Tarique said his party wishes to restore freedom of expression for every citizen, regardless of their political affiliation. “Just like two decades ago, during the BNP government, the media in Bangladesh could fearlessly criticise the government and even draw cartoons.’ He recalled that a section of the media had published baseless reports about the then Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and him, conducting a media trial and propaganda campaign. “But we didn’t gag any media, harass anyone, or send any editor to jail in return. In the future, Tarique said, BNP will ensure the freedom of expression for all citizens, particularly human rights activists, journalists, and social influencers. “But we expect an impartial and responsible role from the media. He also promised that BNP would eliminate extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, excessive use of force, politically motivated cases and trials, mass arrests without warrants, gross human rights violations, and the culture of fear that has been fostered over the last 16 years. “We will strive to ensure the human rights and fundamental freedoms of every citizen in line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations,” the BNP leader said. He claimed that in the three months following the fall of fascism, BNP had taken numerous initiatives to modernise politics, all of which have been nurtured by the grassroots of BNP across the country. The BNP leader said whenever anyone has committed crimes in the name of BNP, the party has taken swift organisational action as soon as it became known. Tarique also said Awami League leaders and activists were involved in crimes such as murder, assault, rape, and extortion during the 16-year rule of Sheikh Hasina, yet no action was taken against them by the party. “As recent incidents show, even after the killing of more than one and a half thousand democracy-loving people in the mass upsurge, no leader of the Awami League has shown any remorse or self-criticism,” he said. Speaking at the programme, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said his party, along with over 50 other parties, had prepared the 31-point state reform proposal during the simultaneous movement against the fascist regime of Sheikh Hasina. He noted that the interim government, formed following the ousting of Hasina's regime, has already established various commissions to oversee state reforms. “We believe the reform proposals that may emerge from these commissions will closely align with the 31-point outline. Therefore, we have decided to present the 31-point framework to the public once again,” the BNP leader said. On July 13, 2023, the BNP unveiled a 31-point outline aimed at "reforming" the constitution and state system, as well as ensuring the economic emancipation of the people. This proposal was developed in consultation with other parties that had participated in the simultaneous movement against the Awami League government.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has said the Awami League exhibited “all the characteristics of fascism”, saying it has “no place” in the country’s politics for now. In an interview with the Financial Times, Prof Yunus also said that Bangladesh will not pursue the extradition of Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India, until the Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal delivers its verdict. Bangladesh's success under Prof Yunus is in India's best interest: American-Indian businessman Khosla Prof Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, expressed a firm stance against the Awami League, the party led by Hasina. “In the short run, definitely she has no place — the Awami League doesn’t have a place — in Bangladesh.” He further criticized the party’s tactics: “They controlled the people, they controlled the [political] machinery, they controlled the institutions to enhance their interest.” Awami League has faced accusations from political opponents and human rights groups over election rigging, extrajudicial killings, and seizing control of state institutions during Hasina’s lengthy rule. Since her departure, discussions in Bangladesh have emerged on whether to temporarily suspend the party, mandate its reform, or ban it from political involvement altogether, the Financial Times report said. Rohingya Crisis: Prof Yunus seeks urgent int’l conf to find solution The Chief Adviser speculated that Awami League might collapse, but he emphasized that any decision regarding the party’s political future would be the prerogative of other political parties, as his interim government is not “a political government.” He noted that whether Awami League could participate in future elections would depend on a “consensus” among political parties. “They have to decide their political space,” he said. Prof Yunus, known for his pioneering work with Grameen Bank and as a self-described “banker to the poor,” had previously been targeted by Hasina’s administration. His interim government, which includes student leaders, is setting the stage for elections and has established 10 commissions for reforms in key institutions like the police, judiciary, and public administration, added the report. He expressed no intention of forming a political party or joining politics, saying, “Our job is to get things settled and get a new reform agenda done,” before engaging political parties in election preparations. The fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government has strained relations with India, which had been her key supporter. Prof Yunus mentioned that while his government would eventually seek her extradition, they would wait for a tribunal verdict. “She is charged with crimes against humanity...when the verdict comes out, we’ll try to get her back through the extradition treaty” with India. He did not believe there was cause to pursue this before a verdict, the report also said. Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed, had earlier dismissed allegations of her responsibility for violence against protesters, claiming she was prepared to face any charges as she “did nothing illegal.” After Hasina’s ousting, many of her supporters went into hiding, with reports of retaliatory violence against Awami League members. Chief Adviser Yunus also acknowledged the impact of India’s lukewarm support on his government, noting that the two nations are closely interconnected through power, water, and infrastructure projects, and share a long history. He extended an invitation to Modi, saying, “We tried to… emphasize the fact that we are neighbors, we need each other, we must have the best relationship that any two neighbors should have.”

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Monday expressed concern that deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is once again trying to incite violence and bloodshed in Bangladesh from India. "An audio of Sheikh Hasina’s conversation was leaked on Sunday, in which she instructs the Jubo League and Chhatra League to prepare for armed resistance. It means she’s issuing threats of bloodshed,” he said. Speaking at a programme in Azimpur area of the capital, the BNP leader also said it is very clear that Sheikh Hasina is making awful comments to trigger violence from a neighbouring country. “I would say that after the birth of Sheikh Hasina, she’s given bitter gourd juice, whereas in our country, it is customary to feed newborns honey," Rizvi said. He urged all to stay alert to ensure that the student-led mass movement does not fail due to excesses by any quarter. "All of us involved in the movement must remain vigilant as Sheikh Hasina is not sitting idle, and neither are those who gave her shelter.” Rizvi, along with leaders and activists of the Dhaka South City unit, distributed leaflets in the Azimpur area to raise awareness among the people about dengue disease. Rizvi slammed the interim government for its failure to control the market and keep the commodity prices within the buying capacity of the lower-income people. Rizvi accuses govt of 'hide and seek' over arrest of Hasina's ministers He pointed out that while rice prices are decreasing in various countries, they are rising in Bangladesh. The BNP leader urged the government to take effective measures to lower the increasing prices of essential commodities, as people are facing serious problems. "Why is there so much uproar over the removal of the President? Why are we complicating matters and creating a crisis in the country? This is not the main issue facing us," he questioned. After ousting Sheikh Hasina, the BNP leader said, it is now the responsibility of the nation to hold her associates accountable and prosecute them. “The contributions of those who carried out the ant-discrimination movement, paving the path for the restoration of democracy will be recorded in history by the people of the country. However, we must avoid actions driven by emotion that could risk violating the constitution and invite danger,” he warned. Rizvi said there are associates of Sheikh Hasina's even within the interim government. "You (govt) appointed Ali Imam Majumder as an adviser, who played a significant role during the 1/11 period and held important positions during Sheikh Hasina's tenure." He said many others are there like Ali Imam who helped prolong the bloody misrule of Sheikh Hasina and those who collaborated with her are still moving freely all around.

Bangladesh's ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is now living in a Lutyens Bungalow in India’s New Delhi after fleeing the mass uprising in Dhaka on August 5.Indian officials confirmed on Thursday that Hasina relocated from Hindon Air Force Base in Uttar Pradesh to a secure bungalow in central Delhi, near India Gate and Khan Market, reports Hindustan Times. Her residence is reportedly an Intelligence Bureau (IB) safehouse, heavily guarded due to ongoing death threats against her. The Print news outlet first reported her relocation, and Hindustan Times confirmed that multiple layers of security surround her residence, with central agency officials and Delhi Police commandos ensuring safety. For nearly two decades, Hasina lived in a 3,600-square-metre palace in Dhaka, built for Queen Elizabeth II. However, student-led protests on August 5 deposed her, forcing her to seek refuge in India. She faces an arrest warrant in Bangladesh and accusations of atrocities during her tenure, the report said. Hasina continues to be in India for safety reasons: MEA Spokesperson The bungalow's security includes "watchers and spotters" from the Delhi Police commando unit and central agencies. An official disclosed that a Delhi Police sub-inspector was initially assigned to the IB and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) when Hasina was transferred from Hindon. The sub-inspector was strictly instructed not to share any details about the operation, even with senior officers, and was removed from the security detail after a few days as IB and MEA officials took over, it said. Hasina's daughter, Saima Wazed, a World Health Organisation (WHO) regional director based in Delhi, is also under security cover. The two have met discreetly in recent months under stringent protocols, the report also added. Previously, Hasina and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, lived in Delhi for six years following the assassination of their father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in 1975. Hasina, Bangladesh's longest-serving prime minister since 2009, has faced criticism for alleged political repression and economic turmoil. The unrest ultimately led to her overthrow, with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus now heading the interim government, the report said. The Financial Times reported Hasina's recent appearance at Lodhi Garden, indicating that while she remains under heavy security, she has made occasional public outings.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin has urged the people to refrain from creating any further controversy surrounding the resignation of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. This appeal comes in light of a media campaign quoting the President, which has resulted in widespread confusion among citizens regarding the circumstances of Hasina's departure, according to a press release of the President’s Press Wing on Monday . The President clarified that all pertinent questions related to the resignation and departure from the country—prompted by a student-people led revolution—were thoroughly addressed in Special Reference No. 01/2024, as outlined in the Honourable Supreme Court's Appellate Division ruling on August 8, 2024. President urges all regardless of religions, castes to work for prosperous Bangladesh The ruling also examined the dissolution of Parliament and the constitutional legitimacy of the current interim government. According to Article 106 of the Constitution, the President sought the Supreme Court's opinion on these matters, which was duly provided by the Appellate Division. In light of these developments, President Shahabuddin has called on all parties to respect the resolution of this matter and to avoid actions that could destabilise or embarrass the interim government. This call for unity aims to foster stability during a crucial period in the nation's political landscape. The issue came to light again after in a recent interview with Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, editor of The Daily Manab Zamin, President Mohammed Shahabuddin mentioned that he heard Sheikh Hasina resigned from her position as Prime Minister; however, he has no documentary evidence to confirm this, including any resignation letter. He stated, "I have failed to obtain the resignation letter despite numerous attempts. Perhaps she did not get the time." This conversation was published in the newspaper's political magazine, “Janatar Chokh,” on Sunday. Sheikh Hasina sought refuge in India on August 5 amid an unprecedented mass uprising.

Senior BNP leader Hafizuddin Ahmed on Monday said the discussions surrounding Sheikh Hasina's resignation represent a new dimension of conspiracy, asserting that her fleeing the country in the face of public anger is clear proof of her resignation from the post of Prime Minister. “There have been numerous false campaigns day after day and now it has started again. Disturbing and concerning news is being spread, claiming that Sheikh Hasina did not resign as Prime Minister,” he said. Complete reforms, let election be held within a timeframe: BNP Speaking at a discussion meeting, the BNP leader said President Mohammed Shahabuddin has said he has not received any resignation paper from Hasina, and the Cabinet Secretary also stated he does not have this document. “This is a new dimension of their conspiracy. She (Hasina) has definitely resigned, and there is no doubt about it. We saw the resignation paper signed by Sheikh Hasina on YouTube. Moreover, there is no need for an official resignation since she fled the country with just 45 minutes' notice. This itself constitutes her resignation,” he said. Hafiz, a BNP standing committee member, said Sheikh Hasina no longer has a passport, as the Bangladesh government has canceled it. “She has taken refuge in a neighbouring country that wants to send her to another country. Even then, what is the necessity of her resignation letter?” he asked. The BNP leader asserted that a vested interest group is spreading such news to mislead the public into believing that Hasina is still a legitimate Prime Minister. “What could be a greater falsehood than this?” Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal, freedom fighters' wing of BNP, organised the programme at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU), demanding the immediate withdrawal of false cases filed against BNP leaders and activists, including party acting chairman Tarique Rahman. They also called for bringing killer Sheikh Hasina back home to face trial and banning the Awami League as a terrorist organisation. Hafiz said the nation had hoped for a new government to be established that would prioritize the welfare of the people following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina government. “We’re now increasingly concerned as two and a half months have passed, yet we remain uncertain about the aims of this government, how they plan to implement reforms, and the extent of what they can achieve. We are also confused about whether they are aware of their limitations.” He voiced frustration that no steps have been taken to withdraw the numerous false and conspiratorial cases against those who fought against the fascist Hasina regime over the past 16 years. “We cannot understand why the false cases against our leaders, Tarique Rahman, Khaleda Zia, and others who have been repeatedly jailed, have not yet been dropped.” The BNP leader demanded that the government immediately withdraw all cases filed against Tarique and those who struggled against Awami League’s conspiracy and misrule. He warned that Bangladesh is currently facing a conspiracy, with efforts underway, aided by India, to harm national unity and jeopardise independence. “The neighbouring country is devising various plots to cause suffering for the people of Bangladesh. Those who were ousted by the public are now conspiring against the people of Bangladesh from India. We must rid ourselves of these plots,” the BNP leader said.

Trial proceedings for the July-August genocide, which took place during the recent mass upsurge, have begun with issuing warrants for the arrest of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 45 others, including Awami Legaue general secretary Obaidul Quader, as part of these developments. Advocate Mohammad Tajul Islam, the chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, revealed the information on Thursday. A three-member tribunal, led by its Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, ordered that Sheikh Hasina must appear before the court by November 18. Prosecutor BM Sultan Mahmud said two petitions were submitted before the tribunal. In the first petition, they sought a warrant for Sheikh Hasina’s arrest while in the other petition they sought arrest warrants for 45 others. The tribunal accepted the two petitions and asked to submit a report within November 18, he said.Earlier reports suggested that the prosecution would seek arrest warrants against 50 people, including Sheikh Hasina, in connection with the atrocities that took place during the July-August period. The trial, now in progress, marks a significant step towards justice for the alleged crimes committed during the movement, with the international community closely watching the developments. Reconstitution of ICT On October 14, the government reconstituted the International Crimes Tribunal by appointing its chairman and two members to start the trials of people who committed crimes against humanity during the July-August mass uprising. Golam Mortuza Mozumder was appointed as Chairman of the ICT. The other members of the tribunal are--Additional Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmud and District and Session Judge (retd) Md Mohitul Haq Anam Chowdhury. Earlier, Advocate Tajul Islam, a Supreme Court lawyer was appointed as the chief prosecutor.List of those killed in mass upsurge The interim government published a draft list of 708 people killed during the student-led mass upsurge in July and August. Quoting the available public reports by media and the protest movement itself, the UN rights body said between 16 July and 11 August, more than 600 people were killed, according to the report titled ‘Preliminary Analysis of Recent Protests and Unrest in Bangladesh’. Of these, nearly 400 deaths were reported from 16 July to 4 August, while around 250 people were reportedly killed following the new wave of protests between 5 and 6 August. Fall of Hasina’s Regime The protests that led to Sheikh Hasina’s fall started centring reforming quota system in government jobs and it escalated on July 16 when clashes between security forces and pro-government activists and students turned violent. The Supreme Court intervened to roll back the quota decision, but the unrest continued.A renewed wave of anti-government demonstrations saw violent clashes and killing of students and general people by law enforcement agencies and then ruling party activists that left over 1000 people dead and many injured. Sheikh Hasina among 59 sued over attempt to murder case in Dinajpur On August 6, when thousands of demonstrators started to move towards her official residence Ganobhaban Sheikh Hasina resigned. Shortly after her resignation, Hasina, accompanied by her sister Sheikh Rehana, left Dhaka for India via a helicopter. The approval for Hasina to go to India was granted at a short notice, according to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. Hasina’s fall was so dramatic that she had only 45 minutes to leave her official residence Ganobhaban, which was stormed by jubilant protesters shortly after her exit. Since her exit, Hasina is facing more than 100 cases, nearly all of them filed by aggrieved members of those killed by law enforcement agencies during the massive protests. The unprecedented violence left over 1000 people – many of them children and youth – killed and thousands injured. She is also facing complaints filed before the International Crimes Tribunal accusing her of mass killings. Diplomatic sources in both the capitals believe Hasina’s continued presence in India may become a headache for New Delhi in its bid to build a rapport with the Yunus-led administration. After the interim government revoked her diplomatic passport, questions arose as to how long Sheikh Hasina can stay in India and whether she will face a possible extradition. Hasina was elected Prime Minister in 1996 after winning the general election. Her tenure lasted until 2001. During the 2006–2008 political crisis, Hasina was detained on extortion charges. She again won the 2008 election, solidifying her position as a key political figure. In 2014, Hasina was reelected for a third term in an election boycotted by the opposition BNP, raising questions about the legitimacy of her government. Nevertheless, she continued to lead the country and won her fourth term after the 2018 election. In 2024, Sheikh Hasina secured her fifth term as Prime Minister which was marred by controversy and violence.