Since 18 November, there have been a number of new developments which have emerged, such as the official request of Bangladesh to extradite Hasina, the diplomatic reaction of India and the first statement made by Hasina.

The article is a summary of all the recent developments, highlights, political responses, and the future of the development.

1. Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death for Crimes Against Humanity

The historic and highly controversial sentence was given by the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh (ICT-BD). The tribunal believed that Hasina ordered the violent crackdowns of student-led protests, political meetings and civil movements in the last year of her leadership. The activities were termed as state-directed violence and the result was a series of civilians being killed and human rights abuses being perpetrated.

The tribunal established sufficient evidence to rule that these acts were crimes against humanity and the tribunal sentenced her to death. It will mark one of the greatest legal measures against a past leader in South Asian history.

2. Bangladesh Demands India to Extradite Hasina

This was followed shortly by the announcement of the decision by the Bangladesh interim government that India should hand over Sheikh Hasina. The government has known that she flew into India after being ousted in power and is technically a fugitive.

Bangladesh mentioned the bilateral extradition treaty between the two nations and it said that India had a moral and legal duty of handing her over back to face the verdict.

This has brought about high diplomatic pressure whereby India and Bangladesh have strong economic, political and strategic connections. The reaction of India will determine the following stage of the crisis.

3. India’s Response on the Verdict

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India had responded cautiously and tactfully. India has replied with a verdict that it has not taken a position on extradition.

The important messages in the response of India are:

• India desires Bangladesh to enjoy peaceful, stable and democratic harmony.
  
• New Delhi will keep on “positively engaging” with the Bangladesh leadership.
  
• India did not confirm that Hasina will be extradited.
  

This is a non-partisan position that indicates that India is juggling its strategic interests with humanitarian and diplomatic issues.

4. Hasina’s First Reaction After the Verdict

The judgment was categorically rejected by Sheikh Hasina who is now thought to reside in India. In her first reaction:

• She referred to the verdict as “politically motivated, unfair and totally biased”.
  
• She alleged that the tribunal was not free.
  
• She claimed that she had not been granted a fair hearing on her defense.
  
• According to Hasina, the trial was rather a political revenge than a justice.
  

Her followers claim that the interim government is attempting to remove the long history of political legacy that Hasina formed. Her critics understand that the sentence gives justice to political violence victims.

5. Political & Diplomatic Impact

The decision has impacted the entire Bangladesh and neighbouring nations.

Inside Bangladesh

• Those who supported the interim government are dubbing the ruling as a big triumph of justice.
  
• The leaders of the Hasina party describe it as a political assassination by the hands of the law.
  
• There is a split in the civil society groups as many have questioned the transparency of the trial.
  

India–Bangladesh Relations

• The pressure by Dhaka to hand over Hasina has turned into a sensitive diplomacy.
  
• India is also worried about the stability in the region and movements of refugees in the event that situation escalates.
  

Global Reaction

• Global human rights organisations can look into the issue of whether the trial was conducted within the global human rights.
  
• The western countries want an understanding of the legitimacy of the proceedings.
  

6. What’s Next? (Future Possibilities)

The probable events in the next few days are as follows:

1. Diplomatic Talks Between India & Bangladesh

India and Bangladesh can start the high level meetings to deliberate about the status of Hasina and the extradition request.

2. Appeal Process

The legal team of Hasina can make an international appeal or appeal against the decision in the higher courts of Bangladesh.

3. International Human Rights Review

The world human rights organizations may demand openness, justice and unbiased examination of the judgment.

4. Rising Political Tension

It may result in new protests, political rallies and unrest by people of Bangladesh either in favor or against the verdict.

5. Global Attention on South Asian Stability

The situation is under the radar of neighbouring nations such as India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar because of the problem of potential instability in the region.

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q-1. What is the Sheikh Hasina Verdict?

Ans- The Sheikh Hasina Verdict is the verdict by a tribunal in Bangladesh, which found former PM Sheikh Hasina guilty of “crimes against humanity” as a result of violent crackdowns in her government.

Q-2. Why was Hasina sentenced to death?

Ans- She had been convicted of commanding violent state measures against protests that led to the killing of civilians and destruction of rights on a massive scale.

Q-3. Why is Bangladesh asking India to extradite Hasina?

Ans- By claiming that Hasina has escaped to India and he must be sent back according to the bilateral extradition agreement between the two countries.

Q-4. What is India’s response?

Ans- India had a neutral reaction and indicated that it will keep on interacting with Bangladesh. It has not enrolled to extradite Hasina.

Q-5. What will happen next?

Ans- Diplomatic negotiations, legal appeals, international investigations and internal political tension are anticipated. The situation remains fluid.