As the BNP readies to take office in Dhaka, the party headed by Rahman may initiate steps toward securing Hasina’s extradition from India.

Residing far from Dhaka, Bangladesh’s former prime minister Sheikh Hasina remains in New Delhi, where she has been living in exile. While she has dismissed the recent elections in Bangladesh as a “sham” and “a farce,” political momentum appears to be shifting back home. Tarique Rahman and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) are poised to reclaim power, marking a significant political comeback nearly two decades after Rahman’s mother, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, last held office.

In the lead-up to Bangladesh’s national polls, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and several other political groups have urged India to send Sheikh Hasina back to Dhaka. Their demand intensified after the former prime minister was handed a death sentence over her alleged role in the violent suppression of student protesters during the July uprising.

Track LIVE coverage of the Bangladesh election results here.

As government formation nears, the Rahman-led BNP may move swiftly to act on its pledge to seek Hasina’s extradition from Delhi.

Hasina remains in India

Since her departure from power, Hasina has been based in New Delhi, keeping a low profile aside from sporadic remarks and brief sightings at Lodhi Garden.

From Delhi in January 2026, Hasina stunned Dhaka by calling on the population to oppose the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.

“The brave people of Bangladesh must rise to overthrow this externally influenced puppet government, safeguard the Constitution written in the blood of our heroes, reclaim national independence, protect our sovereignty, and restore democratic governance,” she was quoted saying.

The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry, in an official statement, called on New Delhi to extradite Hasina, warning that offering “shelter to individuals convicted of crimes against humanity” would be considered unfriendly and a blatant disregard for justice.

Bangladeshi authorities have officially initiated procedures to request Hasina’s return under the India–Bangladesh extradition agreement, while BNP leaders have consistently urged New Delhi to comply.

India’s Response

After the tribunal court delivered its verdict against Sheikh Hasina, India said it had taken note of the ruling, but emphasized that any further decisions regarding her fate rested with the former prime minister herself.

At the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2025, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar highlighted that Hasina had come to Delhi “under certain circumstances.”

He added, “Those circumstances obviously play a role in determining what happens next. Ultimately, however, it is a decision that she herself must make.”