Bangladesh Government Responds to Sheikh Hasina’s Visa Extension by India: What’s at Stake?

In a recent development that has grabbed international attention, the interim government of Bangladesh has responded to reports of an extended visa for deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Bangladesh government asserted that once a passport is cancelled, visa-related matters no longer hold relevance. This comes after news broke that Hasina, who fled to India in August 2024 amid violent protests, has been residing in India under a residence permit.

The Background: Sheikh Hasina’s Flight and Allegations

Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has been living in India since she fled her home country following protests that led to the downfall of her government. In August 2024, widespread unrest erupted, ultimately leading to the collapse of the Awami League government. In the aftermath of the protests, which saw significant casualties, Hasina’s role has come under scrutiny.

The Bangladesh government has revoked the passports of 97 individuals, including Hasina, citing their involvement in “enforced disappearances” and violent incidents during the protests. Among the revoked passports, 22 were tied to enforced disappearances, while 75, including Hasina’s, were connected to the violence of the July uprising. In addition to the passport revocation, an arrest warrant has been issued by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) against Hasina and several others for their alleged roles in these disappearances.

Bangladesh's Stance on Visa and Passport Cancellation

A spokesperson for the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohammad Rafiqul Alam, commented on the situation, stating, "If a passport is cancelled, the issue of a visa no longer exists." This statement emphasizes the Bangladesh government's position that once Hasina's passport was revoked, any visa extension becomes irrelevant. Notifications about passport cancellations are reportedly sent to Bangladesh’s diplomatic missions worldwide to ensure that other countries are informed about such developments.

India’s Role: Visa Extension or Refugee Status?

Amid these developments, India reportedly extended Sheikh Hasina’s visa. Although rumours about Hasina being granted asylum have circulated, these claims have been firmly dismissed by Indian authorities. Officials have clarified that India does not have a specific asylum law, and the visa extension should not be seen as an endorsement of her refugee status.

A source close to the situation stated, “This is purely a technical extension to facilitate her stay.” Hasina is believed to be residing in a safe house in Delhi under heightened security. India’s decision to extend her visa has sparked significant interest, but it appears that this extension is simply to allow her to remain in the country legally while awaiting further developments.

Bangladesh’s Request for Extradition

The situation has escalated with Bangladesh’s official request for Hasina’s extradition, made on December 23, 2024. Bangladesh's interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has stated that Hasina is wanted to answer for her alleged involvement in the violent protests and disappearances that unfolded in 2024.

In response to media reports regarding Hasina's visa, foreign adviser Md Touhid Hossain expressed his frustration, noting that he was only made aware of the situation through the media. "What can we do?" he commented. He further mentioned that India has not yet responded to Bangladesh’s extradition request, leaving the matter in a state of uncertainty.

What’s Next?

As this diplomatic tension continues to unfold, it’s clear that the situation is far from over. Bangladesh has made its position clear by revoking Hasina’s passport and issuing an arrest warrant, while India has extended her visa for the time being. However, with the request for extradition still pending, the next few months could see heightened political activity between the two countries.

This case also highlights the complexity of international diplomacy when it comes to matters of political asylum, extradition, and the validity of travel documents. For now, all eyes will remain on India and Bangladesh as they navigate this delicate situation.

Conclusion

The saga of Sheikh Hasina’s visa extension and her residence in India underscores the intricate relationship between diplomacy, legal systems, and international politics. As the Bangladesh government pushes for Hasina’s extradition and India continues to manage her status, the world waits to see how this high-stakes political drama will unfold.

Stay tuned for more updates on this ongoing story as we continue to track the developments between India and Bangladesh.

Reference from:-https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/if-a-passport-is-cancelled-bangladesh-government-responds-to-sheikh-hasinas-visa-extension-by-india-460251-2025-01-10