India responded cautiously on Monday after the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Dhaka handed a death sentence to ex-Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. The case relates to alleged crimes against humanity relating to the student uprising that gripped Bangladesh in July and August 2024.
India notes sentence and engages constructively
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it had “noted” the trial’s decision. It noted its consideration for what was in the “best interests of the people of Bangladesh,” and stated that India will engage constructively with the necessary stakeholders in order to promote peace, stability, and inclusion in its neighbour.
This response by India came just hours after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh asked India to honor the decision of the ICT, and urged it to send Hasina and Kamal back to Bangladesh immediately in accordance with the existing bilateral treaty.
Bangladesh seeks extradition, describing acts as ‘inhumane’
Dhaka accused both leaders of “inhumane acts” in relation to the governmental crackdown on the student movement. It also referred to hosting the two leaders as “extremely unfriendly conduct.” Bangladesh insisted that India furnish them immediately.
Dhaka stated that a legal obligation now exists based on the extradition agreement with India. It framed such a handover as a test of India’s commitment to justice and cooperation in the region.
Hasina calls ICT ruling ‘rigged’
Sheikh Hasina characterized the ICT ruling as a “rigged verdict.” She affirms her conclusion that the sentence suggests the “murderous intention” of extremist factions within Bangladesh’s interim government. further, she defended her government’s management of the 2024 disorder. She stated she grieved “all deaths” when clashes erupted but denied directing action against protesters.
Hasina maintained that the tribunal’s ruling stemmed from political maneuvering instead of seeking justice, and admonished that the ruling could worsen divisions within Bangladesh.
UN calls the verdict an ‘important moment’ for victims
UN Human Rights spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani welcomed the verdict; she stated it was an “important moment for victims” of last year’s violence. She indicated that the UN had pressed for accountability since they had released their fact-finding report in February 2025.
The UN asked for investigations into people “in positions of command and leadership.” It subsequently encouraged Bangladesh to offer remedies and reparations to the victims, outlining that states needed to follow due process consistent with international standards.
India walks a tightrope between diplomacy and regional stability
India’s measured language signifies its complicated relationship with Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina underpinning a relationship with New Delhi over a long period is largely the reason. India is now under pressure from Dhaka, opposition parties, and the world as a whole.
Much of New Delhi’s attention is placed on ensuring the stability of the region. It wants to avoid any statements that can escalate hostilities while also ensuring that violence does not break out in Bangladesh. This statement implies neutrality while allowing for flexible diplomatic positioning.
What happens next for India-Bangladesh?
The verdict ignited debate around politics as it relates to Bangladesh, while creating a key diplomatic moment in the region. New Delhi will likely consult various unique stakeholders before moving forward with any diplomatic steps.
New Delhi wants to avoid any perception of being an agent of partisan politics and maintain their treaty obligations for Bangladesh. The first steps taken by either diplomacy from New Delhi or from Dhaka will determine whether this nascent crisis would lead to confrontation or facilitate negotiation.
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