India says no timeline set for Sheikh Hasina's return to Bangladesh

India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi said on Wednesday that there is no fixed timeline for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's return, as the extradition request remains under legal examination. Trivedi clarified that India had not facilitated Hasina's arrival in the country, emphasizing that she had sought refuge amid the deteriorating security situation in Bangladesh following the political unrest earlier this year.

The high commissioner's remarks underscore the complexities surrounding Hasina's status in India as bilateral relations between New Delhi and Dhaka deteriorate. The interim government in Bangladesh has formally sought her extradition, viewing her as responsible for alleged crimes during her tenure. India, however, has approached the matter cautiously, with officials stressing that legal procedures must be followed.

Tensions between the two neighbouring countries have escalated over multiple issues, including Hasina's presence in India and disputes over border management and water-sharing agreements. Bangladesh's new administration has made clear its intention to pursue the extradition case aggressively, placing New Delhi in a delicate diplomatic position.

India's handling of the situation reflects its efforts to balance domestic legal obligations with the need to maintain stability in its relationship with Bangladesh, a crucial neighbour in South Asia. Officials have indicated that any decision on Hasina's fate will be determined through established judicial processes rather than political considerations.