What Lies Ahead for Sheikh Hasina? BNP's Stance on Extradition Revealed
Dhaka: The chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), who is poised to become the next Prime Minister, stated on Saturday that the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be contingent upon legal proceedings.
His remarks came during a press conference, following a reaffirmation from a senior party member regarding their commitment to pursuing Hasina's extradition from India for trial.
The BNP achieved a significant victory in the recent parliamentary elections, securing over two-thirds of the seats.
Hasina was ousted from power on August 5, 2024, due to a large-scale student-led protest and has since been living in exile in New Delhi, with an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus taking over shortly after.
In November 2025, Hasina, aged 78, was convicted of crimes against humanity by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) and sentenced to death in absentia. Her former home minister, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, also received a death sentence for similar offenses.
Numerous other legal cases are pending against Hasina and several of her former ministers. The Yunus administration has prohibited the Awami League from participating in the 13th parliamentary elections.
During his first press conference after the electoral win, Rahman was questioned about the BNP's plans regarding Hasina's extradition from India. He responded, "That depends on the legal process."
While discussing the election, Rahman mentioned the participation of various political parties but did not reference the Awami League.
"In a democratic system, political parties are essential to democracy," he stated, yet did not address the ban on the Awami League.
Rahman noted that around 50 political parties took part in the elections, emphasizing the importance of diverse ideas in the nation's development.
Earlier, senior BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed indicated that the foreign minister had already advocated for Hasina's extradition, which the party supports.
"We consistently call for her extradition in accordance with the law. This matter lies between the foreign ministries of both nations. We have also urged the Indian government to return her to face trial in Bangladesh," he added.
Following the November 2025 ruling, Bangladesh formally requested India's assistance in extraditing Hasina, invoking an extradition treaty due to her sentencing.
On November 26, India confirmed it is reviewing the extradition request from Bangladesh's interim government, reiterating its commitment to the welfare of the Bangladeshi people.
"The request is under examination as part of ongoing judicial and legal processes," stated External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
"We are dedicated to the best interests of the Bangladeshi people, including peace, democracy, and stability, and will continue to engage constructively with all relevant parties," he added.