The government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has informed a standing committee of the Indian Parliament that ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, currently residing in India, cannot conduct any form of political activity using Indian soil. This information was revealed in a report by the Indian media outlet The Indian Express.
The latest report by the Indian Parliament’s Standing Committee on External Affairs states that the government’s position on this matter was outlined during a meeting chaired by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor.
The report notes that the issue was discussed after Sheikh Hasina recently mentioned the possibility of returning to Bangladesh by the end of this year. Bangladesh’s Law Minister, Anisul Huq, has stated that Sheikh Hasina could be arrested immediately upon her return from India.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs informed the committee that the request for Sheikh Hasina’s extradition, sent by Dhaka, is being reviewed by the relevant authorities in accordance with the country’s prevailing laws and established procedures.
The report further states that Sheikh Hasina was granted permission to stay in India in light of the country’s humanitarian traditions and its long-standing policy of providing refuge to individuals in distress. However, India strictly adheres to the policy that its territory cannot be used to conduct political activities against any other country.
Recommendations on India-Bangladesh Relations
In a report titled “The Future of India-Bangladesh Relations,” the parliamentary committee recommended that the government handle such sensitive situations with caution while maintaining a humanitarian and principled stance. Additionally, the committee urged the resumption of normal visa services for Bangladeshi citizens. The report noted that the slowdown in visa processing for Bangladeshis is fostering negative perceptions among the people of both nations and impacting bilateral relations.
It is worth noting that India resumed tourist visas for Bangladeshis on June 28 of this year, following a suspension of nearly two years due to political instability and security concerns in July 2024.
Recommendation to Renew the Ganges Treaty
The report states that, given that the term of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty—signed between Bangladesh and India in 1996—is set to expire this year, discussions regarding its renewal should be initiated promptly. According to the committee, the renewal of the agreement requires prioritizing up-to-date water flow data, the impacts of climate change, and consultations with the governments of the Indian states of West Bengal and Bihar.
Emphasis on Minority Protection
The report further states that the Ministry of External Affairs should consistently treat the protection of minorities in Bangladesh as a key priority in India’s diplomatic engagement.
