In a recent survey conducted by India Today via their X handle, a significant number of Indians expressed their opinions on whether Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, should remain in India or be sent back to her home country.
Sheikh Hasina had fled to India after an unprecedented student-led uprising in Bangladesh on August 5 of last year.
The survey found that the majority of respondents from India’s Seven Sisters states, along with neighboring Sikkim, believe that sending Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh would help improve relations between the two countries.
A substantial 55 percent of those surveyed in these regions were in favor of her return.
Nationally, however, opinions were more divided. Only 21.1 percent of respondents across the entire country shared the same sentiment, with a smaller number supporting her return.
Interestingly, 16 percent of participants from Southeast India’s eight states, and 29.1 percent nationwide, believe she should instead be sent to a third country.
The poll also sought to gauge public opinion on India’s decision to provide Sheikh Hasina with asylum.
On this question, 23 percent of respondents from Northeast India and 37.6 percent across the whole country agreed that it was the right choice, given the long-standing alliance between India and Bangladesh. Despite this, a considerable portion of respondents now feel that it is time for Sheikh Hasina to return to her home country.
Sheikh Hasina has been residing in India ever since fleeing Bangladesh after the uprising.
According to various reports from Indian media, she is currently living in a secure location in Delhi.
However, the Indian government has refrained from disclosing specific details regarding her whereabouts.
In the meantime, Bangladesh’s interim government has officially requested her return.
Citing the extradition treaty between the two countries, the Bangladeshi government sent a diplomatic note to the Indian authorities, asking for her repatriation.
Despite this request, India has yet to issue any formal response on the matter.
The situation has sparked a debate in India, with some citizens questioning whether it is in India’s best interest to continue offering asylum to the former Bangladeshi leader.
Others see her return as an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic ties between the two neighboring nations.
As the discussion continues, many are eagerly awaiting the Indian government`s next move regarding Sheikh Hasina’s future in the country.
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