India has reportedly extended the visa of Sheikh Hasina, the deposed Prime Minister of Bangladesh, who has been living in the country since fleeing amid violent protests last August. This decision comes as the interim government in Bangladesh intensifies its calls for her extradition.
Sources indicated that while rumours have circulated regarding Hasina being granted asylum, such claims have been dismissed. Officials confirmed that India does not have specific legislation for asylum and emphasised that the visa extension should not be construed as an endorsement of her refugee status.
“This is purely a technical extension to facilitate her stay,” a source stated, adding that Hasina has been residing under heightened security in a safe house in Delhi.
Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, amid massive protests by students and civil unrest. The protests, which turned violent, left more than 500 people dead, and the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has accused Hasina of being complicit in the violence.
On December 23, Bangladesh’s interim government officially requested her extradition. Authorities in Dhaka allege that Hasina played a role in incidents of disappearances and killings during the 2024 turmoil.
