Bangladesh Wants Extradition of Sheikh Hasina from India

Dhaka: Bangladesh’s interim government has formally requested the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India, following her departure into exile earlier this year. A diplomatic note verbale was sent to New Delhi, urging the return of Hasina, who has been in India since August 5, after fleeing the country amid large-scale student protests that resulted in the overthrow of her 16-year regime.

Hasina, 77, is wanted in Bangladesh for crimes against humanity and genocide, with arrest warrants issued by the Bangladesh-based International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in connection with her administration’s actions during the protests.

Touhid Hossain, Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, confirmed that the note verbale highlights the country’s desire to bring Hasina back to face judicial proceedings. In addition, Jahangir Alam, the Home Advisor, stated that a formal request had been made to the Indian government through the Foreign Ministry to facilitate Hasina’s extradition under the existing extradition treaty between the two nations.

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This diplomatic move follows earlier statements by Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, who had pledged to seek Hasina’s return, citing the need for accountability over the deaths and injuries that occurred during the protests against her government. Yunus also urged Hasina to refrain from making political statements while in India, emphasizing the need for her to face justice in Bangladesh.

The extradition request marks a significant escalation in the political turmoil surrounding Bangladesh’s leadership, as the interim government seeks to hold those responsible for alleged atrocities accountable.