US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks to strengthen bilateral ties during Modi's US visit. Trump commented, “I’ll leave Bangladesh to PM Modi,” amid discussions on trade and regional issues. Meanwhile, Bangladesh faces a political crisis following a UN report on human rights violations during protests that ousted Sheikh Hasina in 2024. Opposition parties demand her extradition from India, but India remains cautious, weighing the diplomatic and political implications of the ongoing turmoil.
During a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump addressed the ongoing political crisis in Bangladesh. Speaking on the matter, Trump remarked, “I’ll leave Bangladesh to PM Modi.” His comment came as Modi concluded his two-day visit to the United States, which focused on strengthening bilateral relations.
The visit included high-level discussions on trade, economic cooperation, and the strategic partnership between India and the United States. Modi’s engagement with US leaders underscored the growing alignment between the two nations on various global and regional issues.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh remains embroiled in a deepening political crisis following a United Nations report that exposed severe human rights violations during the 2024 protests against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. The demonstrations, which culminated in Hasina’s ousting in August 2024, were marked by violence and widespread unrest. Hasina subsequently sought refuge in India after a student-led uprising forced her to flee.
Bangladesh’s political opposition, led by Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has urged India to extradite Hasina. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that the UN report accused Hasina of "orchestrating mass killings, human rights abuses, and the destruction of Bangladesh’s democratic institutions." Alamgir described Hasina’s rule as fascist and demanded her return to Bangladesh to face trial.
The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry has reiterated its intention to formally request Hasina’s extradition if necessary. However, officials emphasized that such a request involves complex diplomatic and political considerations. A similar appeal made last year has yet to yield any concrete results.
India has maintained a cautious stance on the matter. The Indian government has not issued any public statements regarding the extradition request, signaling a careful evaluation of the political and diplomatic repercussions of any potential action.
The recently released UN fact-finding report provides detailed accounts of the violent events during the protests and the subsequent crackdown. It highlights attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus, as well as extrajudicial killings that occurred during efforts to quell dissent. These revelations have drawn international attention to the crisis, further complicating the political landscape in Bangladesh.
Amid these developments, India’s role in the region remains pivotal. While the country has yet to take a definitive position on the extradition request, its response will likely shape the trajectory of Bangladesh’s political future.
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