Dhaka, Dec. 7 -- Country's call for the return of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina has entered a tense stage as New Delhi signals that her stay in India is ultimately her own decision, despite an existing extradition treaty signed during her time in office.

Public expectations inside Bangladesh have risen since Hasina's conviction by the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising last year.

The government has formally requested India to return her under the treaty, a move the Foreign Ministry conveyed through an official letter. Delhi confirmed on 11 November that it had received the request.

Indian spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters that the matter was under examination and...