Neighboring country Bangladesh is waiting for a response from India to its request on the extradition of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. However, no official response has been given yet by New Delhi in this matter.
Statement of Foreign Ministry of Bangladesh
Bangladesh Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Rafiqul Alam said that
“We sent a diplomatic note on Monday, but there is no response from India yet. We are waiting for India’s reply. “Our next action will be based on India’s response.”
Lack of time limit in extradition treaty
- The spokesperson acknowledged that the extradition treaty between India and Bangladesh does not specify any time limit for reply.
- He said if a reply was not received within a reasonable time period, Dhaka would issue a “note of urgency”.
- Rafiqul Alam further said:
“There is a natural time for any response. “If we do not receive a timely response, we will express our expectations by sending a note of urgency.”
Awaiting India’s response
The Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry says that only two days have passed since the notes were delivered, so it is difficult to take the next step immediately.
- External Affairs Ministry’s stance:
- Bangladesh has conveyed the importance of the extradition request to India.
- After sending the note, the next action will be decided based on the Indian response.
Controversy over Mahfooz Alam’s comment
Meanwhile, a Facebook post by Mahfouz Alam, a key aide of Bangladesh’s interim government, has sparked controversy.
- Mahfooz Alam wrote that:
“Some Indian territories should be part of Bangladesh and India should recognize the rebellion that forced Sheikh Hasina to resign.”
- However, this post was later deleted.
Bangladesh government’s clarification
Apoorva Jahangir, Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh, said that:
- Mahfooz Alam’s post was his personal opinion and does not reflect the official position of the government.
- Mahfouz later posted a clarification, clarifying his statement.
Preparation of note of urgency
Bangladesh has made it clear that if timely response is not received from India, then
- “Note of Urgency” will be issued.
- This note will underline that Bangladesh is serious about the extradition request.
Impact on India-Bangladesh relations
India’s delay in response to Sheikh Hasina’s extradition could increase tensions in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
- Bangladesh is giving utmost priority to this issue.
- The form and timing of India’s response could have a decisive impact on the relations between the two countries.
