'Depends on circumstances...': Jaishankar on Sheikh Hasina's stay in India

'Depends on circumstances...': Jaishankar on Sheikh Hasina's stay in India

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that the duration of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's stay in India will depend on the "certain circumstance" under which she arrived.

Speaking at the 23rd Hindustan Times Leadership Summit, Jaishankar discussed the circumstances under which Hasina arrived in India, noting that her continued presence is influenced by these circumstances.

Hasina's arrival in India amid political unrest

Hasina fled to India in August last year amid widespread political unrest in Bangladesh, which resulted in significant casualties and injuries.

Last month, she was sentenced to death in absentia by a special tribunal for "crimes against humanity" related to her government's actions during student-led protests.

The same tribunal also sentenced former interior minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death, while former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun received a five-year prison sentence for cooperating with the investigation.

India responds to Bangladesh's extradition request

After the verdict, Bangladesh urged India to extradite Hasina and Kamal.

Dhaka invoked an extradition treaty, claiming New Delhi was obliged to return both leaders.

In response, India said it had noted the verdict and reiterated its commitment to Bangladesh's peace, democracy, inclusion, and stability.

"As a close neighbour, India remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including in peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country," the External Affairs Ministry stated.

Jaishankar's remarks on India's stance toward Bangladesh

Jaishankar also spoke about India's preference for a credible democratic process in Bangladesh.

He said, "If the issue was the election, then the first order of business would be to conduct a fair election."

The minister emphasized that India wants stability and democratic legitimacy for its neighbor, adding he is confident future cooperation will lead to improved relations.