Following recent statements from former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh regarding her potential return to the country by the end of this year, the Bangladeshi government has informed a Parliamentary committee that she will not be allowed to engage in political activities from Indian territory.
On Thursday, Bangladesh’s Law Minister M Asaduzzaman indicated that Hasina could face immediate arrest upon her arrival back from India.
In conjunction with this, the Ministry of External Affairs conveyed to the committee that the extradition request submitted by Dhaka concerning Hasina is currently under review by the appropriate Indian authorities, following applicable laws and procedures.
The committee, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, acknowledged that India’s treatment of Hasina is influenced by its longstanding tradition of providing refuge to those in dire circumstances or facing existential threats.
While recognizing the humanitarian aspect of such considerations, the committee emphasized that India must uphold its commitment to prevent any political activities against other nations from its soil.
In its recent report titled ‘Future of India-Bangladesh Relationship’, the committee suggested that the government continue to maintain its principled and compassionate approach, while managing these situations with careful sensitivity.
The committee also called for the expedited normalization of visa processing for Bangladeshi citizens, expressing concerns that the reduced volume of processed visas could adversely affect public perception and the relationship between the two nations. India had resumed tourist visa services for Bangladeshi nationals on June 28, 2026, after a two-year hiatus that began in July 2024 due to political unrest and security issues.
As the Ganga Water Treaty of 1996 approaches its expiration this year, the committee urged the government to engage in discussions with Dhaka without delay. The report highlighted that, with the treaty set to expire in 2026 and no talks on renewal having commenced, it is crucial to initiate these discussions promptly, taking into account updated hydrological data and climate change forecasts, along with consultations involving the state governments of West Bengal and Bihar.
Additionally, the committee recommended that the Ministry of External Affairs maintain a focus on the protection of minorities in Bangladesh as a fundamental aspect of its diplomatic efforts.
Divya A covers travel, tourism, culture, and social issues for The Indian Express, bringing over a decade of journalistic experience from organizations such as Khaleej Times and The Times of India. In addition to news reporting and editing, she enjoys writing short stories. As a Sanskriti Prabha Dutt Fellow for Excellence in Journalism, she is currently researching the lives of children of sex workers in India.
