India has extended the visa of Bangladesh’s former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled her country last year amid political unrest, even as the interim government in Dhaka continues to seek her extradition. Sheikh Hasina – who left Dhaka on August 5, 2024 – was staying in New Delhi amid tight security following violent student protests that left over 500 dead. While her stay has led to speculation about asylum, Indian authorities have categorically denied such claims. “This is purely a technical extension to facilitate her stay,” said an Indian government source, stressing that the country has no specific laws for granting asylum. Hasina’s visa extension coincides with a formal request for extradition made by Bangladesh’s interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus on December 23. The government claims that Hasina was involved in incidents of violence and enforced disappearances during the 2024 protests. Political foundations Bangladeshi immigration authorities further escalated the matter by revoking the passports of 97 individuals, including Hasina, on Tuesday. Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, a spokesman for Yunus, claimed that Hasina and others were involved in “enforced disappearances and killings” during the protests. “The passports of 22 individuals have been revoked for their involvement in enforced disappearances, while 75 others, including Sheikh Hasina, were implicated in the July murders,” Majumder told reporters in Dhaka, according to state news agency BSS. However, critics say the allegations against Hasina are politically motivated. Analysts see the move as an attempt by the caretaker government to consolidate power ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming general elections. Diplomatic rope of India India is now facing diplomatic difficulties. While the extension of Has’s visa is unlikely to immediately affect bilateral relations, Dhaka’s extradition request has complicated an already delicate situation. Observers note that India’s decision to grant visa extensions rather than deal with extradition requests reflects its cautious approach. “This issue is not only legal but deeply political,” said a foreign policy expert in Delhi.
