India’s courts will make the final decision on whether to return former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh, senior Indian officials told The Indian Express. The report, published on August 16, said the request made by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government must proceed through India’s judicial process rather than be settled politically or diplomatically.

Officials said the court process would examine whether the offences alleged by Bangladesh against Hasina are also recognised as offences under Indian law. Another Indian official said Bangladesh’s request could not be viewed separately from ongoing diplomatic discussions between Dhaka and New Delhi. India’s foreign ministry has said the matter is being examined under established procedures, while officials said Bangladesh submitted required legal documents under the 2013 extradition treaty.

Bangladesh is relying on a November 2025 International Crimes Tribunal death sentence that found Hasina guilty of crimes against humanity. Awami League leaders said they would challenge that verdict if extradition proceedings begin. The treaty and India’s 1962 extradition law provide for examination of requests and possible investigation by a magistrate, who may recommend extradition if preliminary grounds are found or allow release if evidence is insufficient.