Now Reading: Sheikh Hasina vows to return to Bangladesh despite death sentence
-
01
Sheikh Hasina vows to return to Bangladesh despite death sentence
Sheikh Hasina vows to return to Bangladesh despite death sentence
Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, speaking at a virtual press conference from New Delhi on Wednesday, said she would return to Bangladesh by December this year, even though she faces a death sentence for crimes against humanity. Hasina, who fled Dhaka in August 2024 after a student-led uprising, addressed the Foreign Correspondents' Club in Delhi via audio link. India distanced itself from the event, with the external affairs ministry saying it was organised by a private entity and the government did not endorse any views expressed.
Bangladesh reacted sharply, calling Hasina a 'convicted genocider' and saying her address from Indian soil was an affront to its sovereignty. Dhaka also renewed its demand for extradition. Bangladesh's information ministry urged local media not to broadcast her statements, citing a court order. Meanwhile, unidentified attackers hurled petrol bombs at the home of former cricketer and Awami League MP Shakib Al Hasan, who spoke at the event. No one was hurt. Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, thanked the Modi government for treating his mother with 'utmost respect'.
The press conference has deepened strains in India-Bangladesh ties, already under pressure since the Awami League was barred from elections and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party came to power. India has not responded to Bangladesh's extradition request. Legal experts note that the 2013 extradition treaty between the two countries has a political offence exception, and questions remain over the fairness of the tribunal that convicted Hasina. Dhaka says it expects a 'propitious environment' for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to India, which may hinge on the Hasina issue.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The coverage splits along predictable lines. livemint.com leads with India's official distancing and Dhaka's protest, framing the story as a diplomatic irritant without questioning either side's claims. The Guardian foregrounds Hasina's defiant vow and the drama of the attack on Shakib's home, giving space to opposition criticism of her authoritarian rule. thehindu.com provides a legal explainer on the extradition treaty, questioning the ICT's fairness without endorsing Hasina. The middle ground: Hasina's return pledge is significant but faces massive legal and political hurdles, India is stuck between a loyal ally and a neighbouring government demanding justice. The next trigger is Bangladesh's formal extradition request and the fate of Tarique Rahman's visit.
Coverage: 4 sources, 1 government-critical, 3 neutral
Sources (4): livemint.com (neutral report), theguardian.com (government critical), theguardian.com (2) (neutral report), thehindu.com (neutral report)
This story was synthesised by AI from the 4 sources linked above. Methodology and corrections.
Updated: this story now draws on 4 sources.
