Sheikh Hasina Living In India Without A Passport: What Shields Her Stay, How Long She Can Legally Be Here | World News
New Delhi: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been living in India since her dismissal on August 5 last year. He remains in New Delhi on a residence permit that provides him with legal protection that provides him with long-term security. Dhaka sought his extradition after the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced him to death on November 17 for his “violent suppression of student protests”. India has responded to the request and its stay continues without a defined end date.
His arrival in India followed the sudden collapse of his government. Dhaka has seen massive student-led protests growing up in universities and on the streets of the city. In many counties, offices were closed and government institutions struggled to function. The pressure on his administration has reached the point where resignation is inevitable. He resigned, left his official residence and within a few hours fled to India with his sister by helicopter, reaching Delhi via Agartala.
When the court in Bangladesh announced the verdict, India showed a measured attitude. Officials said New Delhi was aware of the decision and reiterated India’s interest in the welfare of the people of Bangladesh. In the statements made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MEA), it was stated that peace, democracy, participation and stability are priorities in the region. India will continue to talk to all stakeholders, the ministry said, without stating any stance on extradition and outlining any future steps.
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New Delhi did not accept the extradition request of the interim government in Bangladesh. He hasn’t made any commitments about what he plans to do next. Bangladesh had also made a formal request for his extradition in December last year, but India had made no progress in this regard. Even after the court’s decision, the situation did not change. The penalty announced in Dhaka does not affect the speed with which India handles the issue.
Residence Permit
Bangladesh had already canceled his diplomatic passport in December 2024 and this action did not affect his status in India. His residence permit remains valid and India extended his visa on technical grounds in January this year. The step then functioned as an independent residence permit with a different character from the regular visa.
He was given a protected government residence in New Delhi and security around the address remains tight. He was informed that he could continue to stay as long as he wished.
Political Asylum?
His canceled passport eliminated all questions about visas. India continued to recognize his presence under the residence permit. Legal experts say the extradition treaty between the two countries allows India to reject requests in political cases or matters involving the death penalty.
Although India does not use the term and handles the issue with careful diplomacy, his stay in the country resembles political asylum in many ways.
His status is now subject to a pending decision. India must decide how it wants to respond to the extradition request submitted by Bangladesh. He will continue to live in Delhi until this decision is made and there is no clarity on how long his stay will be.
