India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Monday confirmed that it has received an official request from the interim government of Bangladesh regarding Sheikh Hasina’s extradition. This request has been sent under the leadership of Nobel laureate and head of the interim government, Muhammad Yunus. The ministry has refused to comment on this at present.
Foreign Ministry statement
A senior ministry official said, “We confirm that we have received a note verbale from the Bangladesh High Commission regarding the extradition of Sheikh Hasina. “We have no further information to comment on this matter at this time.”
Sheikh Hasina’s exile in India
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh for 16 years, went into exile in India on August 5 amid student-led protests and violence. During this time he had resigned from his post. She is currently living in India, and the International Criminal Tribunal in Dhaka has issued an arrest warrant against her on charges of “crimes against humanity” and “genocide”.
Bangladesh government request
The interim government of Bangladesh has formally requested India to send Sheikh Hasina back to Dhaka to face judicial process.
- Foreign Minister Tauheed Hussain:
“We have sent a diplomatic message to the Indian government, requesting Hasina to be returned to Bangladesh.”
- Home Ministry Advisor Jahangir Alam:
“We have sent a letter to the Ministry of External Affairs regarding his extradition. “This process is underway.”
Extradition treaty and Bangladesh’s stance
An extradition treaty is already in force between Bangladesh and India. The Bangladesh government believes that it is possible to bring back Sheikh Hasina under this treaty.
- Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus:
“We must ensure justice in every case of murder. Will demand extradition of Sheikh Hasina from India.”
- Yunus claimed that more than 1,500 people were killed and more than 19,000 injured during the protests.
Fear of controversy over India’s stance
Asif Nazrul, legal advisor to the Bangladesh government, had warned that if India rejected the request citing the provisions of the extradition treaty, Bangladesh would protest strongly.
