We had no choice: Dinesh Trivedi on India giving shelter to Sheikh Hasina in 2024

His remarks came amid Bangladesh's renewed demand for Hasina's extradition and discussions over Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's proposed visit to New Delhi.

In Short

• Extradition process for ex-PM Hasina ongoing with no set timeline
• Bangladesh renews extradition demand after her death sentence in absentia
• Rahman's proposed India visit faces delays amid diplomatic tensions

India had “hardly any choice” but to allow Sheikh Hasina’s aircraft to land in August 2024, Indian envoy to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi said on Saturday, describing it as a neighbour’s duty.

Speaking at the Bay of Bengal Conversation 2026 in Dhaka, Trivedi said a legal process concerning her extradition was underway but gave no timeline.

His remarks came amid Bangladesh’s renewed extradition demand and discussions over Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed visit to New Delhi.

Hasina, 79, has been living in India since fleeing Dhaka after her government fell in August 2024. India has maintained that Bangladesh’s extradition request is being examined under established procedures.

‘OUR DUTY AS A NEIGHBOUR’

Trivedi said Hasina arrived aboard a military aircraft without prior arrangements by India. She was not brought by the Indian Air Force or Army, he said.

“We had hardly any choice on that. It was our duty as a neighbour to accept the reality of life, because situations are such where, at times, you’re not prepared for it,” he said, questioning what alternative India had when Hasina’s aircraft sought permission to land.

On her extradition, Trivedi said: “The courts are involved, so nobody can give you a time frame.” He did not identify the proceedings.

DHAKA RENEWS EXTRADITION DEMAND

Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia in November 2025 over the deadly crackdown on the student-led uprising. She has denied the charges, calling them politically motivated.

The interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus sought her extradition through a diplomatic note and barred the Awami League from political activity. Relations with India deteriorated during its 18 months in office.

The Awami League was barred from contesting the February 12 elections. Rahman’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party government, which took office after the polls, retained the restrictions and renewed the extradition demand.

RAHMAN’S INDIA VISIT UNDER DISCUSSION

Rahman’s proposed visit to New Delhi also remains under discussion. India extended a bilateral invitation in February and invited him to the BRICS Summit last month. He declined the BRICS outreach invitation.

Hasina’s virtual press interaction from New Delhi on August 5 added to the tensions. Bangladesh said it had “vitiated” the atmosphere for Rahman’s visit. India said it had no role in the event and did not endorse her remarks about the Bangladesh government.

Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir has since said Dhaka was “positive” about progress in discussions on the visit. No date has been fixed.

- Ends