Bangladesh’s interim government has formally requested India to return former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in exile in India since August. The diplomatic note was sent on Monday, urging the Indian government to facilitate Hasina’s extradition to Dhaka for legal proceedings.
Hasina, 77, fled Bangladesh on August 5 amid escalating student-led protests that led to the fall of her 16-year rule. Since her departure, the Dhaka-based International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has issued arrest warrants against Hasina and several former officials, accusing them of “crimes against humanity and genocide.”
Touhid Hossain, Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, confirmed the request, stating that a note verbale was sent to India, indicating that Bangladesh wanted Hasina to face justice in her home country. He further explained that the extradition process is currently underway, following the submission of a letter from the Home Ministry to the Foreign Ministry.
Jahangir Alam, Home Advisor, added that there is an existing extradition treaty between Bangladesh and India, which could be invoked to bring Hasina back to Bangladesh.
The Background of the Request
Hasina’s departure from Bangladesh in August marked a significant turning point in the country’s political landscape. The interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, has been vocal in its stance against Hasina’s leadership, accusing her government of widespread violence and human rights abuses. Yunus has claimed that over 1,500 people were killed during protests against Hasina’s rule, and nearly 20,000 were injured.
In his address marking the 100-day milestone of the interim government’s leadership, Yunus expressed the government’s determination to seek Hasina’s extradition. He referred to Hasina as a “fallen autocrat” and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to ensuring justice for those who suffered under her administration.
Diplomatic Tensions and Hasina’s Claims
The extradition request comes amid ongoing tensions between the two nations. Hasina has made several statements from her exile in India, criticizing the interim government’s actions, including accusing it of committing “genocide” and failing to protect minority communities, particularly Hindus. She has also denounced the current government’s treatment of protestors and alleged suppression of political dissent.
In response, Yunus and other officials have urged India to comply with the extradition request, warning that any attempt to block it could lead to diplomatic repercussions. Yunus has also stated that if India wishes to retain Hasina temporarily, she must refrain from making any political statements that could disrupt relations between the two countries.
As the situation develops, Bangladesh’s interim government remains determined to pursue justice, while tensions over Hasina’s extradition continue to shape the political discourse in both countries.
