Panel Urges Centre to Keep Parliament Informed on Sheikh Hasina Extradition Case

A Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs has taken note of Bangladesh's extradition request for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and has asked the Centre to keep the panel informed about its consideration of the matter, according to a report tabled in Parliament on Thursday.

In its response to the committee, the Government of India said the extradition request is "being examined by the competent authorities" in accordance with applicable laws and established procedures. The government also stated that the committee's recommendation had been "noted for compliance."

The observations form part of the report titled "Action Taken by the Government on the Observations/Recommendations contained in the Ninth Report of the Committee on the subject 'Future of India-Bangladesh Relationship'", which was presented in Parliament.

The committee, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, noted that Hasina's stay in India is guided by the country's civilisational ethos and humanitarian tradition of offering refuge to individuals facing circumstances of grave distress or existential threat.

It also observed that the government has clarified that Hasina has not been provided any political platform or space to undertake political activities from Indian territory. The panel further noted that India has adhered to the principle that no political activity directed against another country should originate from its soil while extending humanitarian considerations.

The committee recommended that the government continue to uphold its principled and humanitarian approach, consistent with India's values and international responsibilities, while handling such situations with due sensitivity. It also urged the Centre to keep the panel apprised of developments regarding Bangladesh's extradition request following the pronouncement of a death sentence against Hasina in absentia.

Relations between India and Bangladesh have remained under strain since the collapse of the Awami League government in August 2024, when Sheikh Hasina left Bangladesh amid widespread student-led protests and subsequently took refuge in India. A Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman assumed office earlier this year following parliamentary elections.