India extends Sheikh Hasina’s visa amid extradition uncertainty

India has extended the visa of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, despite Bangladesh‍‍`s call for her return to face legal charges. 

Sources close to the matter have confirmed to the Hindustan Times on Wednesday, January 8, that the Indian government took this decision as Hasina remains in Delhi, following her escape from Bangladesh in early August.

Fleeing the country on August 5, after mass student-led protests, Hasina has been staying at a secure location in the Indian capital. 

Since her arrival, she has kept a low profile, with little information available about her movements or activities.

Officials, who chose to remain anonymous, revealed that while Hasina‍‍`s visa has been extended, India has not granted her political asylum. 

"She’s been given more time to stay here, but no political asylum has been offered as India does not have provisions for such a move," one official explained.

The decision to extend her visa was processed by India’s Ministry of Home Affairs, with the paperwork completed through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).

Back in December, Bangladesh formally requested her return, with the government sending a letter to India on December 23. 

While Indian authorities have acknowledged receiving the letter, no formal response has been issued yet.

According to a report published on January 3 by the Hindustan Times, India is unlikely to fulfill the extradition request. 

Sources familiar with the situation have suggested that Dhaka has not completed all the necessary formalities required for the process.

Meanwhile, on Monday, the International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh issued a second arrest warrant against Hasina. 

A day later, the Passport Office in Bangladesh revoked the passports of Hasina and 97 others, citing allegations linked to disappearances and killings in July. 

Despite these ongoing legal pressures, the Indian government has opted to extend her visa, allowing her continued stay in the country for now.

The situation remains complex, with no clear indication of how it will develop in the coming weeks.