South Asia

India remains committed to best interests of Bangladesh people

Published: 12:09, 18 November 2025

India on Monday said it had taken note of the verdict issued by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), which sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death for crimes against humanity linked to the 2024 July–August mass uprising.

In a brief statement, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said New Delhi “remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh,” emphasising peace, democracy, political inclusion and long-term stability as guiding principles of its engagement with Dhaka. “We will always engage constructively with all stakeholders to that end,” the statement added.
The ICT-1 ruling also sentenced former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun to five years in prison. Al-Mamun, the only accused currently in custody, had admitted his role during testimony, while Hasina and Asaduzzaman remain fugitives. Both are believed to be in India after leaving Bangladesh amid the political upheaval that led to Hasina’s ouster in 2024.
Following the judgment, Bangladesh formally requested India to extradite the two high-profile convicts, describing the handover as a binding responsibility under the countries’ bilateral extradition treaty.
In a statement, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry said providing refuge to individuals convicted of crimes against humanity would be viewed as an unfriendly gesture and a disregard for international norms of justice. Dhaka also noted that prompt cooperation from New Delhi would be essential for ensuring accountability and upholding the rule of law during Bangladesh’s ongoing political transition.
The verdict comes at a sensitive moment in Bangladesh’s domestic landscape, where transitional authorities continue to grapple with legal, political and security challenges following months of unrest. Diplomatic observers say India’s response could have significant implications for regional relations and the broader stability of South Asia.