Trump says he leaves the decision on Bangladesh to PM Modi

US President Donald Trump on Thursday addressed the ongoing political crisis in Bangladesh.

“I’ll leave Bangladesh to PM Modi," said Trump.

His remarks were made during a joint press conference with PM Modi, who concluded his two-day visit to the United States this morning (IST).


The two leaders held bilateral talks in Washington to discuss a variety of issues, including trade relations and the broader ties between India and the United States on Thursday.

The political turmoil in Bangladesh has escalated following the release of a UN report detailing human rights violations during the 2024 protests against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime.

The protests, which led to Hasina’s ousting in August 2024, resulted in significant violence and unrest. Hasina fled the country after the protests culminated in a student-led uprising, seeking refuge in India.

Bangladesh's request for Hasina's extradition

Bangladesh’s political opposition, led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has called for India to repatriate Hasina.

According to BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the UN’s fact-finding report accused Hasina of orchestrating mass killings, human rights abuses, and the destruction of Bangladesh’s democratic institutions.

Alamgir insisted that Hasina’s actions during her tenure were proven to be fascist and demanded that the Indian government return her to Bangladesh for trial.

The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry has indicated that if necessary, a formal request for Hasina’s extradition will be made, reiterating a similar request from last year. However, officials noted that the timing of such a request involves significant diplomatic and political considerations.

India’s stance

India’s response to the situation remains cautious. The Indian government has not yet made any public statements regarding the extradition request from Bangladesh. The timing and political implications of any potential action will likely be carefully evaluated, given the complexity of the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh.

The UN’s fact-finding report, which was released earlier this week, sheds light on the violent events surrounding the student protests and the subsequent fallout.

The report highlights the widespread attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus, and documents extrajudicial killings carried out during the crackdown on protestors.

(With inputs from PTI)