The Dream of 1971: A Promise That Power Would Belong to the People:-
Bangladesh was not to become Pakistan, hence in the year 1971, by fighting and sacrificing lives, the common people along with Mukti Bahini created a new country. Created a country where there was a desire that power should be with the people and not with dictators. But looking at Bangladesh today, the question arises whether even after separating from Pakistan, it has taken a step towards becoming Pakistan? Because whatever is happening in Bangladesh has been happening in Pakistan for decades. On November 17, 2025, when former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death, there was applause in the court. The question arose whether that applause was democratic or reflected the sentiments of the crowd? Because no one owns the government in Bangladesh.
A Verdict That Shocked the Nation:-
At least it is not elected by the people. And then the question arose: was this what the fight was for? Or maybe decades after independence, Bangladesh is stuck in the same quagmire where opposition leaders end up in jail after the change of power. They hang on the gallows. That which has been happening in Pakistan for decades. It is happening even today. Pakistan’s most popular leader Imran Khan is rotting behind bars. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was once hanged. Just because those in power did not like him and he was hanged under the guise of democracy. He has been put in jail today. Now the question is whether the same is happening in Bangladesh also ? Hasina was convicted of crimes against humanity in Bangladesh. But the question that arises is whether this is justice or political revenge?It is possible that the people there may have been and may be unhappy with his actions. That’s probably why such a huge crowd had come out. But my aim is not to judge Sheikh Hasina as right or wrong. The question is that when there is no government elected by the people in the country, then why is there a death warrant for a former Prime Minister and a shower of applause? Is this a sign of a healthy democracy? Because even Pakistan gives logic.
Has Bangladesh Fallen Into the Pakistani Pattern?:-
Behind putting Imran Khan in jail. The logic was also there in hanging Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. There was also talk of removing Nawaz Sharif. But the world is watching what the future holds for Pakistan. The Pakistani people are suffering and by escaping from these, Bangladesh had created a new identity for itself. Now the question is, is that identity changing? Today in this video we will try to understand why Sheikh Hasina was hanged in Bangladesh? What were the allegations? What impact will the situation in Bangladesh have on India? Will India return Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh? And if India does not return it, what impact will it have on the relationship between India and Bangladesh? On what charges has Sheikh Hasina been convicted? What options do they have? What role can the UN or ICC play in this ? What options does Sheikh Hasina have? And will Sheikh Hasina have to be hanged? This story of Sheikh Hasina is not just the story of Bangladesh but also the story of our security and relations as neighbours of India.
Justice or Political Revenge?:-
After separation from Bangladesh in 1971, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, father of Sheikh Hasina. He took charge of the country. But shortly after, he was assassinated in 1975. After this there was a military coup and instability ensued. However, democracy returned to Bangladesh in the 1990s. But a tussle started between Awami League, which is the party of Sheikh Hasina, and BNP, which is the party of Khaleda Zia. Meanwhile, Sheikh Hasina was the Prime Minister from 2009 to 2004. She was the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for 15 years.
Bangladesh’s Political Turbulence Since 1971:-
Before looking at the bad things about Sheikh Hasina or the allegations made against her, let us put forward the good things that she has. The good thing during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure was that Bangladesh’s GDP shone. GDP growth remained between six and seven. Poverty decreased. However, Sheikh Hasina has been repeatedly accused of crushing democracy in Bangladesh. Allegations were made that the opposition was suppressed. There were allegations of rigging in the Daman elections. There were allegations of censorship of the media.
What Sheikh Hasina Achieved:-
But still, by going among the public, he was getting huge mandate. Even when she was removed, she had more seats than the majority. But amidst all this, an incident happened in 2024 which changed everything in Bangladesh. The students’ quota protest began in July. Against 30% reservation in government jobs. It was peaceful in the beginning. But then the allegation was made that the government crushed it. The police opened fire. There was firing from the helicopter. There was a drone attack and it was reported that a large number of children were killed. Many thousands were injured. Hundreds of thousands died. The movement grew from here. After this, Hasina had to flee on 5 August 204. She came to India where she is safe. A new government was formed under the leadership of Mohammad Yunus Sahib. Muhammad Yunus Sahib is a Nobel Prize winner. Younis tried again in a way to bring peace. However, the court which hanged Sheikh Hasina is the same court which was built by Sheikh Hasina herself.
The 2024 Student Quota Protest: The Turning Point:-
It was created in 2010 for the war crimes of 1971 and it was this court that sentenced Sheikh Hasina to death. This is also a strange irony. Now let us tell you what happened today in the death sentence. So the 453-page verdict was read out in which Hasina was found guilty on three charges of inciting violence. She had ordered the murder and failed to stop the atrocities and the punishment for this was death by hanging. There was talk of death penalty for the former Home Minister and 5 years imprisonment for the IGP. He became a government witness. The properties of Haseena and Kamal Sahab were
confiscated. There was applause in the court. It was as if Bangladesh had finally won the World Cup. But Haseena says that this is a kangaroo court. It is biased, a false spectacle. Even his words were not heard. His side was not seen. A one-sided decision was given and she is saying that when there is no government of public opinion then how can you announce death sentence for me.
Hasina Flees, Yunus Takes Over:-
What are the punishments for? There are five main things that were alleged. Torture of a murder, attempted murder. The chargesheet says Hasina instigated the police and Awami League to attack civilians. Failed to stop the violence. The second was the order to use weapons like helicopter drones to suppress the protesters. The case was related to the arrest of Abu Syed, a student of Begum Rukaiya University, on July 16. Hasina and others were said to have ordered the murder and carried out the conspiracy. After that it was said that unarmed protesters were killed. Provocation was given and orders were also given to shoot five protesters. The bodies were burnt. A protester was burnt alive. All these allegations have been leveled against him. However, Sheikh Hasina is saying that her version was not heard and hence this is dishonesty. He is being accused. Now a deep state theory also comes into this. Sheikh Hasina’s relations with America were deteriorating. It is a matter of America’s involvement. Pakistan, from which Bangladesh emerged, wanted to interfere more.
The Death Sentence: What the Court Said:-
Currently the new government in Bangladesh is a little pro- Pakistan. Is this a deep state conspiracy? All the countries around India, from Sri Lanka to Nepal, from Nepal to Bangladesh, have become unstable. India’s democracy is strong. That is why such incidents were attempted in India. Despite that it did not happen. But there seems to be a pattern that was destabilizing governments in every individual country. Well, we will go there less. The question arises what will India do? Will India hand over Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh? Because there is a contract between Bangladesh and India.
Deep State Theories and Foreign Influence:-
If you don’t know, a treaty was signed between India and Bangladesh in 2013 in which it was said that criminals would be exchanged between the two countries. Any criminal will be extradited i.e. sent from here to there. If the sentence is at least one year. There should be an arrest warrant against the accused and on this basis, two culprits of the murder of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman were sent to Bangladesh in 2020. However, it has two clauses. Article Six and Article Eight. If India feels that this is political rather than criminal, then India can refuse. And when we tried to understand this, we found out that old diplomats of India are saying that India may not send Sheikh Hasina. India has given her political protection, shelter and because India is the safest place for Hasina in Asia at present. If he sends it, it is believed that the instability will increase further. The situation will worsen. In such a situation, India will not send it. Actually, after the coup, Sheikh Hasina had come here. The former Home Minister also came. However, Bangladesh’s PM Office issued a statement saying that India will have to pay. There is a treaty of agreement between India and Bangladesh. According to him, India should hand it over to the former Bangladeshi PM. What will India give? The possibilities seem limited.
India’s Dilemma: Will It Extradite Hasina?:-
Now the question is what will happen if India refuses to return Sheikh Hasina? There are two scenarios. Diplomatic relations with India may deteriorate a bit. Diplomatic pressure will be applied. Bangladesh or Dhaka will India is not respecting our judicial decision. Diplomatic rhetoric will increase. However, relations will not deteriorate as there is still interdependence between India and Bangladesh on many things like trade, energy supply etc. Secondly, tension may increase and lead to a strategic shift. This would be a dangerous situation. If Dhaka moves towards China and Pakistan, it will be a bit worrying. Younis was seen standing with the Greater Bangladesh map in his hand.
What Happens If India Refuses?:-
Situation like India Bangladesh trade war had arisen and right now there is a little pro Pakistan, so then this can be a little problem. The safest option for India is to send Sheikh Hasina to a third country. This will keep Hasina safe and there will be no direct conflict between India and Dhaka. So maybe there are some countries like UAE, UK, Canada, Netherlands where it can be shipped to. However, the question is whether these countries will give shelter to Sheikh Hasina at this time? This is also an interesting question in itself. Now the question is what options does Sheikh Hasina have?Sheikh Hasina still has legal political options after being convicted in Bangladesh. For example, the legal option is to challenge it in the higher courts of Bangladesh. Demand a review of the evidence citing unfair trial. Haseena can complain to international human rights organizations and legal institutions about not getting a fair trial. Although these institutions do not directly change the decision of any country, they do demand a fair trial.
Hasina’s Possible Options:-
One option is that the political beauty can seek security in India or any other country citing threat to her life. His party, the Awami League, and international supporters could pressure other countries to question Bangladesh’s handling of the trial and halt the execution. Awami League can garner public support and put pressure on the Yunus government to be lenient in the punishment. This could also be a story. But the point is, will all this happen? Will the UN ICC be involved in this? A It is a little difficult. Investigates human rights violations. They raise questions on fair trial but do not refer it. Overall, two-three stories emerge that this tension will continue. Hasina’s topic still sells in Bangladesh. Haseena herself is ready to fight the case in ICC. But will that be the case? Probably not. Will India also take a hasty decision? No. He might not leave India. Sheikh Hasina is 78 years old today. She knows that she may not be able to return to Bangladesh alive. But she knows that Hasina ‘s factor has not ended in Bangladesh politics.
Will Bangladesh Become Pakistan?:-
There are still millions of people who can take to the streets at his call. Maybe that’s why she’s not afraid. She is waiting for things to change, elections to be held , democracy to return. Supporters stand up again. However, one good thing about Bangladesh is that every time there has been an attempt to destroy it, it has returned stronger. Sheikh Hasina may not be playing for the last time. The game may last longer. But if Bangladesh becomes Pakistan, it will be regrettable. Bangladesh should not become Pakistan. It gained independence from Pakistan in 1971. By becoming a democracy and a secular country, a military coup was taking place.
But after 54 years, the same political vendetta, the same show trial, the same game of crushing the opposition, Sheikh Hasina sentenced to death while sitting abroad, the way of appeal closed, Awami League banned, hundreds of leaders absconding from jail.
A Hope for Renewal:-
It seems that whatever happened with Imran Khan in Pakistan, the same thing is being cut, copied and pasted. The government of Younis Sahab is not elected. Still the elections are being postponed till 26th. Now let’s see what happens. Yes, one advantage of Bangladesh which is different from Pakistan is that their economy is much better. Garments are in progress. The reserve has increased. The IMF is praising it. But their democratic spirit is weakening. Bomb blasts occur in Dhaka. Hindus are attacked. Maps of Greater Bangladesh appear. The hatred against India is reaching its peak. In short, the Bangladesh that we see today seems like an upgraded version of Pakistan. The new avatar is the rich one with shiny suits and boots, which looks shiny from outside but if seen from a democratic perspective, it appears hollow. We hope that Bangladesh will come out of it so that the sacrifices made in 71 do not go in vain. So long lip Bangladesh and hope you will restore democracy son.