Regarding the possible extradition of former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India on August 5 after fierce student-led protests forced her resignation, India remained reticent on Friday.

Indian officials declined to comment on rumors that Bangladesh's Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus-led interim government might request her deportation, even though they acknowledged that her presence has momentarily stopped development efforts in Bangladesh.

She is currently in a secure location in India, although Indian authorities have not disclosed her whereabouts.

Several opposition parties in Bangladesh have urged the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, to request her extradition.

When asked about the possibility of such a request from Bangladesh, External Affairs Ministry (EAM) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the issue as “hypothetical”, according to Hindustan Times.

He further said: “As we have previously mentioned, the former prime minister of Bangladesh came to India on very short notice for reasons related to her safety. We have no further comments on this matter.”

Meanwhile, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain told Reuters that Bangladesh might consider requesting Hasina's extradition if legal cases are filed against her.

However, when questioned about whether Sheikh Hasina would seek political asylum in India or another country, Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury, the recently former mayor of Sylhet City Corporation, declined to comment.

On the other hand, Jamal Ahmed Khan, a senior leader of the UK Jubo League, told Bangla Tribune: "I can confidently say that Sheikh Hasina will not seek political asylum in India or any other country. She may, however, apply for a visa for a temporary stay."

Another source mentioned that even if the Bangladesh government cancels Sheikh Hasina's diplomatic passport, she possesses another Bangladeshi passport, which she could use to apply for a visa.

However, no additional information concerning this passport has been provided.

The head of the UK Awami League, Sultan Mahmud Sharif, told the Bangla Tribune on Saturday that there had been no recent communication with Sheikh Hasina.