What's happened
On December 4, 2025, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina remains in India after being sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity linked to a 2024 crackdown on student protests. She also received consecutive seven-year prison terms for corruption involving illegal land grabs. Bangladesh has requested her extradition, but India is unlikely to comply amid political tensions ahead of February 2026 elections.
What's behind the headline?
Political and Judicial Ramifications
The sentencing of Sheikh Hasina marks an unprecedented moment in Bangladesh's history, as no former head of government has been convicted of crimes against humanity before. This judicial action reflects a dramatic shift in Bangladesh's political landscape following the 2024 uprising that ended Hasina's 15-year rule.
Exile and Extradition Challenges
Hasina's continued residence in India complicates enforcement of the verdicts. Despite Bangladesh's repeated extradition requests, India has shown reluctance to comply, viewing the trials as politically motivated. This diplomatic tension underscores the fragile relations between the two neighbors and raises questions about the practical execution of justice.
Corruption and Family Involvement
The corruption convictions, involving illegal land acquisitions by Hasina and her family—including her children and sister—highlight systemic abuses of power. The sentencing of British MP Tulip Siddiq, Hasina's niece, further internationalizes the case, complicating legal and diplomatic proceedings.
Impact on Bangladesh's Stability
The verdicts deepen political polarization and may embolden extremist factions amid an already volatile environment. With elections imminent, the exclusion of Hasina's Awami League party and ongoing unrest could prolong instability. However, the trials also represent an opportunity for Bangladesh to reckon with past abuses and potentially reform its institutions.
Forecast
The coming months will test Bangladesh's interim government's ability to maintain order and conduct credible elections. The unresolved extradition issue and Hasina's defiant stance from India will remain central challenges. International observers will closely watch whether these judicial processes lead to genuine accountability or further political fragmentation.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera's detailed coverage highlights the corruption trials, noting that Hasina and her family were sentenced for illegally securing land plots, with her niece, British MP Tulip Siddiq, also convicted. The outlet quotes prosecutors revealing encrypted communications implicating Hasina's influence, while also reporting her denials and claims of political motivation. AP News focuses on the charges against Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed, and others, emphasizing the scale of the 2024 protests and the resulting crackdown. The New Arab and Arab News provide context on Hasina's exile in India and the political turmoil in Bangladesh, quoting judges who describe her conduct as rooted in entitlement and greed. Reuters and Al Jazeera report on Bangladesh's extradition requests to India, with Indian officials expressing caution and noting the political sensitivities involved. The Japan Times offers a broader analysis, warning that the verdict could exacerbate tensions and instability. Al Jazeera's human stories, including interviews with victims' families, underscore the emotional weight of the trials and the demand for justice. Together, these sources paint a complex picture of a nation grappling with its past amid uncertain political futures.
How we got here
Sheikh Hasina ruled Bangladesh for 15 years until a mass student-led uprising in August 2024 forced her into exile. The protests, met with a violent crackdown, resulted in over 1,400 deaths. An interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus now governs Bangladesh, preparing for elections in February 2026. Hasina faces multiple trials for crimes against humanity and corruption.
Go deeper
- What led to Sheikh Hasina's exile in 2024?
- How is India responding to Bangladesh's extradition requests?
- What impact will these verdicts have on Bangladesh's upcoming elections?
Common question
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Why is Bangladesh trying to extradite Sheikh Hasina?
Bangladesh's efforts to extradite Sheikh Hasina stem from her recent conviction for crimes against humanity and her current status in hiding in India. This move raises questions about the legal, political, and regional implications of her extradition. Below, we explore the reasons behind Bangladesh's extradition request, the hurdles involved, and what this means for stability and diplomacy in South Asia.
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Why was Sheikh Hasina sentenced to death in absentia?
Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, was sentenced to death in absentia on November 17, 2025, for crimes against humanity and corruption. Her exile in India follows a brutal crackdown on protests and ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh. Many wonder what led to her sentencing, where she is now, and what this means for Bangladesh's future. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this high-profile case and its wider implications.
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What’s Behind the Latest Global Political Turmoil?
Recent events across the world have sparked widespread concern and curiosity. From the UK’s new tax hikes to Bangladesh’s political upheaval and rising tensions in Syria, these stories are interconnected in complex ways. Here, we explore the key questions about these major developments, helping you understand what’s really happening and what it might mean for the future.
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Why is Sheikh Hasina in India now?
Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, is currently in India following her sentencing for crimes against humanity and corruption. This situation raises many questions about regional politics, legal proceedings, and diplomatic relations. Why has she not returned to Bangladesh? What does her presence in India mean for the country's political future? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding her current status and the broader implications for Bangladesh and South Asia.
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What’s Happening with Sheikh Hasina’s Sentencing and Extradition?
Recent developments in Bangladesh have put former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the spotlight. Sentenced in absentia for crimes against humanity and corruption, her case raises questions about her future, international extradition, and political stability. Here’s what you need to know about the ongoing legal battles, diplomatic tensions, and what they mean for Bangladesh and beyond.
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What Are the Key Global Political and Economic Trends to Watch Now?
In today's rapidly changing world, political tensions, economic shifts, and international conflicts are shaping the news cycle more than ever. From upheavals in Bangladesh and Tunisia to real estate booms in Miami and US job market signals, understanding these trends helps you stay informed. Below, we explore the most pressing questions about current global developments and what they mean for the future.
More on these topics
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Sheikh Hasina, also known by her married name Sheikh Hasina Wazed, is a Bangladeshi politician serving as the 10th Prime Minister of Bangladesh, having held the office since January 2009.
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Bangladesh, officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh, is a country in South Asia. It is the eighth-most populous country in the world, with a population exceeding 162 million people.
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India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the second-most populous country, the seventh-largest country by land area, and the most populous democracy in the world.
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Muhammad Yunus is a Bangladeshi social entrepreneur, banker, economist, and civil society leader who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for founding the Grameen Bank and pioneering the concepts of microcredit and microfinance.