What Happens if Hasina Returns in December? Pinaki Reveals What Lies Ahead

Popular online activist and analyst Pinaki Bhattacharya has discussed the possible return of Sheikh Hasina and its political and international effects in a recent video. The video was titled, “Hasina Will Return in December, but What Happens Next?” He spoke strongly about relations between Bangladesh and India, legal issues over her return, and different international political matters.

Pinaki Bhattacharya spoke in detail about Sheikh Hasina’s return to Bangladesh and the legal process to bring her to trial. Referring to comments by the Foreign Affairs Adviser and reports in the media, he said, “Sheikh Hasina is a fugitive criminal and a terrorist. Is she going to Rangpur to visit her in-laws that we will give her a passport and let her come back? We have an extradition treaty to bring back terrorists and criminals.”
He said Bangladesh and India signed an extradition treaty in 2013, which was later amended. Under this treaty, there is a legal way to bring Hasina back to Bangladesh. A person does not need to be in prison before being extradited.

Article 1 of the 2013 treaty says that one country can hand over a person to another country if that person is accused of a crime, is facing a trial or court process, has been found guilty by a court, or has to serve a court sentence.

Bangladesh officially sent a diplomatic note to India on December 23, 2024, asking for Ms. Hasina’s return. The Indian government also confirmed receiving the note on January 3. However, Pinaki believes India may use legal and political arguments to delay or avoid the extradition process.

In the video, Pinaki strongly criticised comments by the Indian High Commission and political leaders in India. He said that Indian representative Dinesh Trivedi and people in diplomatic circles had recently claimed that Sheikh Hasina had not resigned when she arrived in India on August 5, 2024. They also said India had no choice but to give her shelter at that time.

In response, Mr. Pinaki referred to a statement made by Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Parliament. He called the claim a complete lie.
Mr. Jaishankar had said that after facing strong protests on August 4, Sheikh Hasina decided to resign on August 5 following a meeting with senior security officials. She then asked to travel to India at short notice and sought permission for her flight.

According to Mr. Pinaki, the differences between these two statements show that India is trying to present the issue differently for political reasons.
Mr. Pinaki also described recent media reports about Sheikh Hasina’s passport or National Identity Card (NID) applications as part of a political plan. He said that a citizen living abroad cannot get a passport or NID simply by applying through a website. The person must visit a local mission or embassy and provide biometric information.

According to Mr. Pinaki, there are two main reasons behind this campaign. First, he believes such claims are being spread to keep the Awami League politically active from India and encourage its field-level workers to remain active. This could also put pressure on rival political groups.
Second, he believes India is using this issue to avoid questions and international pressure at a time when young people in Bangladesh are strongly demanding the extradition of a convicted criminal.
He further claimed that if Hasina or her representatives visit an embassy or mission to provide biometric information, the authorities would have to arrest her under international and local laws and hand her over to Bangladesh under the extradition treaty.

Possible Return in December and Fear of Public Anger
Pinaki Bhattacharya strongly criticised the claims that Sheikh Hasina might return to Bangladesh in December. He referred to an example from international political analyst John Kirakou.
He said that after the revolution in Iran, there were rumours that the sons of the former Shah might return. At that time, people reportedly said they would not even be able to reach the airport terminal from the runway. Mr. Pinaki said Sheikh Hasina could face a similar public reaction.

In his words, “If the Jackfruit Queen really comes, she will not be able to reach the terminal from the airport runway. Before that, ‘Joy Bangla’ will be over. People will catch her and hang her. She will disappear, and Hasina will be torn into pieces. Even if the entire army provides security, she will not be able to reach the terminal.”

He also said that ordinary people and students would never forgive the forces behind the killings during the bloody July uprising. He described the political claim about Hasina’s return in December as an attempt to create fear and mental pressure.

In his analysis, Pinaki Bhattacharya said bringing Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh and putting her on trial was a major demand of the government and the people.
He said Bangladesh should not be misled by Indian media reports or diplomatic arguments. Instead, he called for continuing the demand for her extradition more strongly through legal channels.