Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed deep gratitude to India after spending more than a year in New Delhi following her ouster in August 2024. In a detailed conversation with , Hasina thanked the people of India for providing her refuge and protection. Her remarks come at a sensitive moment, as the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) prepares to announce its verdict on charges related to the 2024 Bangladesh protests.
For readers following major South Asian developments, explore more updates on our World News section.
India’s “Temporary Refuge” and Deep Bilateral Ties
Hasina highlighted the historical and strategic ties binding the two nations. Speaking to NDTV’s Senior Executive Editor Aditya Raj Kaul, she said India and Bangladesh share deep cultural, family and security connections, reaffirming that the relationship is rooted in “respect for sovereignty and regional stability.”
“I am deeply grateful to the people of India for welcoming me and providing me with a temporary refuge,” she said. “Our countries share 4,000 kilometres of border, deep family and cultural ties, and critical security interests.”
Sheikh Hasina Stand: “Bangladesh’s Future Must Be Decided by Its People”
In her remarks, Hasina insisted that the political future of Bangladesh must be shaped internally without external interference. “Bangladesh’s future must be determined independently by its own people and leaders,” she said. She added that India understands this and prefers to engage with an authoritative and legitimate partner in Dhaka.
Her statement aligns with her earlier comments in an email interview , where she stated she would not return home under a government formed after any election excluding her party.
Escape From Dhaka: A Dramatic Exit
The ousted leader fled Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, when tens of thousands of protesters charged toward her residence in Dhaka amid accusations of authoritarianism and crackdowns on dissent. Her 15-year tenure ended overnight as she fled across the border into India, where she has been housed in a secure, undisclosed location in Delhi ever since.
Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, previously told local media that India has treated her “like a head of state” and ensured full security. Our earlier reporting on Bangladesh’s political turmoil can be found in the Asia News section.
The 2024 Crackdown: UN Reports and High Casualties
The charges against Hasina stem from a massive student-led protest movement that erupted in mid-July 2024. According to a United Nations human rights report, nearly 1,400 people were killed and thousands wounded during the deadly crackdown. Most fatalities were caused by live gunfire from security forces.
Hasina and several senior Awami League leaders insist the case is “politically motivated,” claiming selective prosecution by the interim administration that took over after her ouster.
ICT-BD Verdict Expected Today
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) will deliver its verdict today against Hasina and two of her top aides — former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. The verdict will be fully televised and is widely expected to convict Hasina, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty.
Geopolitical Implications for India
Hasina’s exile in India places New Delhi in a diplomatically strategic yet sensitive position. Given Bangladesh’s importance in regional security, counterterrorism cooperation, and cross-border trade, India’s decision to shelter the former prime minister carries both humanitarian and geopolitical weight.
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Analysts believe India’s priority is maintaining stability in Bangladesh, ensuring democratic legitimacy, and avoiding escalation during the post-verdict fallout.
Divided Reactions in Bangladesh and Beyond
The impending verdict has sharply divided public opinion in Bangladesh. Awami League supporters view Hasina as a victim of a politically charged judicial process, while critics believe accountability is overdue.
The Bangladesh diaspora — especially in the UK, US, UAE, and India — has been actively discussing the case across social media platforms. Many are preparing for demonstrations following the verdict, regardless of the outcome.
Human Rights Concerns
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have raised concerns over the fairness of the proceedings. They stress the need for independent investigation, unbiased prosecution, and complete transparency.
International observers warn that any verdict lacking credibility may heighten tensions and destabilise Bangladesh further.
Hasina’s Conditions for Returning Home
Hasina has repeatedly said she wishes to return to Bangladesh only under a “legitimate government” where “law and order genuinely prevail.” Her stance suggests she does not intend to negotiate directly with the interim administration.
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This uncompromising position may shape future political realignments in Bangladesh, especially as the country prepares for the next phase of transitional governance.
What Happens After the Verdict?
Analysts foresee three broad scenarios:
- If Hasina is convicted: Bangladesh may witness fresh waves of unrest. International diplomatic pressure will intensify. India may strengthen security vigilance along the border.
- If acquitted: Her supporters may see this as justification for political mobilisation, potentially challenging the interim government’s authority.
- If the sentence is reduced or deferred: Prolonged legal battles will follow, combined with heightened uncertainty.
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Final Thoughts: Bangladesh at a Historic Crossroads
Sheikh Hasina’s time in Delhi underscores both the complexity of South Asian geopolitics and the fragility of Bangladesh’s domestic political landscape. Her public gratitude towards India shows the resilience of bilateral ties, while the upcoming ICT verdict signals a defining moment in Bangladesh’s future.
As the nation awaits the tribunal’s ruling, the international community remains watchful — mindful that the verdict could reshape Bangladesh’s political direction for years to come.
By The Morning News Informer — Updated Nov 17, 2025
