India wants Bangladesh army to supervise Hasina's return: Report
What's the story
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been in exile since August 2024, plans to return home next month. However, India is reportedly seeking certain guarantees before facilitating her return. According to a BBC Bangla report, New Delhi wants the Bangladesh Army to supervise her return and ensure a fresh and fair trial for Hasina in Dhaka.
Safety concerns
India working on plan for Hasina's safety, justice: Report
The report, which was also cited by several Bangladeshi outlets, said that India is working on a plan to ensure Hasina's safety and justice.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India has not confirmed these reports yet.
Randhir Jaiswal, MEA spokesperson, declined to comment when asked about India's conditions for Hasina's return.
Unconfirmed reports
No country willing to host her: Bangladesh government
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh government has not reacted to the BBC Bangla report.
Bangladesh PM's assistant press secretary KM Nazmul Haque said that "no country has shown willingness to host" Hasina.
He also said that she wanted to return to Bangladesh "as a last resort" by "banking on the blood of grassroots Awami League workers and supporters."
Extradition requests
Hasina applied for new passport on November 9
Hasina had applied for a new passport on November 9, marking her first official contact with the Bangladeshi government since her exile.
However, some Bangladeshi leaders have insisted that India extradite her instead.
Despite repeated extradition requests from Dhaka and a death sentence handed down by a Bangladeshi court, India has not acted on these demands so far.
Political dynamics
India thinks Hasina's return could revive Awami League's fortunes
According to BBC Bangla, policymakers in New Delhi think that Hasina's return could help revive the Awami League's fortunes in Bangladesh.
The report said India regularly holds debriefing sessions with foreign guests, including Hasina.
During these interactions, she was allegedly made aware of India's position on her return.
Bilateral cooperation
Military ties between India, Bangladesh remain active
Despite strained political ties, the military establishments of India and Bangladesh have been in touch.
India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi met Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth during an unscheduled visit to Delhi in the first week of October.
A senior Indian military source told BBC Bangla that there was a special reason for the meeting related to ensuring an active role for the army in Hasina's return.