In response to widespread protests against her government, Bangladesh has officially asked India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in India since leaving her nation on August 5, 2024. Bangladesh’s foreign affairs adviser, Touhid Hossain, stated that the request was conveyed verbally in a note addressed to the Indian administration.
Muhammad Yunus’s interim government in Bangladesh wants to bring charges against Hasina for allegedly committing crimes related to the violent suppression of student protests that resulted in her removal. The International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka has issued arrest warrants against her and a number of her colleagues, and she is facing a number of charges, including murder and other serious felonies.
A treaty that permits the extradition of people accused of serious crimes between Bangladesh and India governs the process. But the treaty also states that if the charges are thought to be politically motivated, extradition may be refused. Notably, this agreement does not classify crimes like murder as political.
Although acknowledging receipt of the extradition request, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has not yet commented on the situation. Given the delicate nature of the accusations against Hasina and the political circumstances surrounding her departure from Bangladesh, the issue could present difficulties for India-Bangladesh relations.
Official Statements: The home affairs adviser for Bangladesh reaffirmed that proper diplomatic channels are being used to pursue Hasina’s return and underlined their dedication to legal proceedings over her alleged activities during her tenure.
