Former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Veena Sikri said Sheikh Hasina should be allowed to return to Bangladesh to face the country's judiciary [1].
This development signals a potential shift in the diplomatic and legal handling of the former prime minister, who has been in exile in India. The return of Hasina would test the stability of the current interim administration and the resilience of the Bangladeshi legal system.
Sikri emphasized the importance of legal accountability and democratic norms during a recent appearance on CNBC TV18. She said that all countries agree there should be democracy in Bangladesh [1]. By advocating for Hasina's return, Sikri suggests that the rule of law is best served when former leaders are held accountable within their own national borders.
The interim government of Bangladesh has indicated a readiness for Hasina to return, though the terms of her arrival are severe. According to reports, the government said she must face a death-sentence trial upon her return [2]. This indicates that the state is pursuing the highest possible legal penalties for the former leader's actions during her tenure.
Hasina has a planned comeback scheduled for December [2]. The timing of this return remains a critical point of contention and coordination between the Bangladeshi authorities and the Indian government, which has hosted her since her departure from power.
The call for a judicial process is framed as a necessary step to uphold the rule of law [1], [2]. While the prospect of a death-sentence trial creates a high-stakes environment, the interim government maintains that such a process is essential for justice. The international community continues to monitor the situation as the December deadline approaches [2].
“"Sheikh Hasina should be allowed to return to Bangladesh and face the country's judiciary."”
The intersection of Veena Sikri's diplomatic perspective and the interim government's demand for a capital trial suggests a narrowing window for Sheikh Hasina to negotiate a peaceful or exiled retirement. If the December return proceeds, the resulting trial will likely become a focal point for political legitimacy in Bangladesh, potentially straining diplomatic relations between Dhaka and New Delhi.
