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Delhi seeks Bangladesh Army role, appeal opportunity for Hasina’s return
The Times of India
Published: 14 Nov 2026, 01:56 PM
File Photo: Collected
India has reportedly outlined two conditions for facilitating the return of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina from New Delhi, including a role for the Bangladesh Army in bringing her home and guarantees of an opportunity to appeal her death sentence in Bangladesh.
According to a BBC Bangla report citing Indian government and military officials, New Delhi wants the Bangladesh Army to take responsibility for Hasina’s return, either by sending a military aircraft to India or receiving her at an agreed point along the land border.
India has also sought assurances that Hasina will have the opportunity to appeal her death sentence and face a fresh trial over allegations relating to the killings during the July 2024 uprising.
The reported conditions come as Hasina, who fled to India on 5 August 2024 following the mass uprising, has expressed her intention to return to Bangladesh in December 2026.
A Bangladeshi court sentenced her to death in absentia in November 2025 over the deadly crackdown on protesters during the uprising.
Why India wants Hasina to return
The BBC Bangla report said Hasina’s continued stay in India had become increasingly uncomfortable for the Indian government, putting pressure on bilateral relations with Bangladesh and attracting international criticism.
New Delhi had initially preferred that Hasina move to a third country. However, its efforts to explore the possibility with several countries reportedly failed for various reasons.
Her continued presence in India has also become a sensitive issue in relations between the two neighbouring countries, particularly as Bangladesh has repeatedly sought her extradition.
The report said Indian officials believed that Hasina’s return could help resolve the diplomatic difficulties surrounding her stay in India.
According to the report, New Delhi has also been holding behind-the-scenes discussions with Dhaka for several months to explore a possible arrangement for her return.
What Hasina has said about returning
Hasina has repeatedly expressed her intention to return to Bangladesh. In an interview with Reuters in July 2026, she said she planned to return in December.
However, she did not specify an exact date and acknowledged the risks, including possible arrest, imprisonment and threats to her personal safety.
In an audio statement, she said she understood the risks but remained determined to return, recalling her previous returns to Bangladesh in 1981 and 2007 despite political uncertainty.
In another interview with Indian news agency IANS, Hasina expressed concern over the situation in Bangladesh.
She alleged that Awami League leaders and activists were facing persecution and that ordinary people were losing their homes and livelihoods.
She described Bangladesh as going through a difficult period and raised concerns about the treatment of her political supporters under the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Meanwhile, India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal declined to comment specifically on the reported conditions on Friday. He reiterated that Hasina’s extradition was a legal matter and would be dealt with accordingly.