India Says Hasina Cannot Conduct Politics From Its Soil

India has told a parliamentary committee that former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is not permitted to conduct political activities from Indian territory, while Dhaka's request for her extradition is being examined under Indian law and established procedures.

The Ministry of External Affairs told the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs that the extradition request submitted by Bangladesh was "being examined by the competent authorities of the Government of India in accordance with applicable law and established procedures."

The committee, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, said Hasina's presence in India reflected the country's humanitarian tradition of providing refuge to people facing grave distress or existential threats.

At the same time, the panel noted India's stated principle that political activities directed against another country would not be permitted from Indian territory. It urged the government to maintain its humanitarian approach while handling such cases with due sensitivity.

The committee also recommended the gradual restoration of normal visa processing for Bangladeshi citizens, saying reduced services had affected people-to-people ties and public perceptions of bilateral relations. It called for visa operations to be progressively normalised as conditions permit.

The panel further urged New Delhi to begin talks with Dhaka without delay on renewing the 1996 Ganga Water Sharing Treaty, which is due to expire this year. It recommended that any negotiations take into account updated hydrological data and climate-change projections and involve the governments of West Bengal and Bihar.

It also recommended that India continue to prioritise the protection of minorities in Bangladesh as part of its diplomatic engagement with Dhaka.

The latest development comes amid continued uncertainty over Hasina's future in India. Bangladesh has repeatedly sought her extradition, while Indian authorities have yet to announce a decision on the request.

On Thursday, Bangladesh Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman said Hasina was likely to be arrested immediately if she returned to Bangladesh.