The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has recently intensified its calls for the extradition of Sheikh Hasina, the ousted Prime Minister of Bangladesh, from India. The demand comes in the wake of a political upheaval in Bangladesh that saw Hasina resign and flee to India after student-led protests turned into a mass agitation against her government.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the BNP's second-in-command, has publicly asserted that the party seeks to "move past previous differences" with India to build stronger diplomatic relations. He emphasized that Hasina’s continued presence in India could potentially damage bilateral ties, and urged India to ensure her return to Bangladesh. Alamgir stated, “Sheikh Hasina has to face the law of Bangladesh for all the crimes and corruption committed by her and her regime. To enable this and respect the sentiments of the people of Bangladesh, India should ensure her return to Bangladesh.”

India-Bangladesh Relations and the BNP’s Vision

The BNP, which is expected to form the next government in Bangladesh, is keen on starting a "new chapter" in its relations with India. Alamgir highlighted that the return of Hasina could be pivotal in mending relations, as India is currently perceived as supporting the authoritarian Hasina regime. The BNP criticizes India for sheltering Hasina and argues that such actions could worsen the perception of India in Bangladesh. Alamgir remarked, “There is already anger against India, as it is seen as a supporter of the authoritarian Sheikh Hasina regime.”

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has been cautious in its response, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noting that the former prime minister’s stay in India was due to safety reasons and declined to elaborate further on the issue.

Future Bilateral Relations and Agreements

During the BNP's previous tenure under Khaleda Zia, relations between India and Bangladesh were strained, partly due to terrorist organizations operating from Bangladeshi soil. The BNP has promised a more engaged diplomatic approach if it comes to power. Alamgir assured that the BNP would work to resolve misunderstandings and address any security concerns India might have. He stated, “Terrorism or such activities in Bangladesh are very minimal in nature, and the situation is under control.”

Additionally, the BNP intends to review and potentially re-examine certain bilateral treaties and agreements made during Hasina's administration. Alamgir noted that while there are no issues with existing agreements, some may not be in Bangladesh's best interests and need reassessment.

Addressing Minority Issues

Alamgir also addressed concerns about attacks on Hindu minorities following Hasina's fall, calling such reports "factually incorrect and misleading." He emphasized that any instances of violence are more political than communal and considered an internal matter for Bangladesh.

The BNP’s stance on Hasina's extradition and their broader approach to India-Bangladesh relations underscores a significant moment in the evolving diplomatic landscape between the two neighboring countries.

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