In a significant diplomatic move, Bangladesh’s interim government has formally requested India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been in exile in India since August 5. The request, conveyed through a diplomatic note, urges India to send Hasina back to Dhaka to face the judicial process.
Foreign affairs adviser Touhid Hossain confirmed the development, stating that the note verbale had been sent to the Indian government, emphasizing Bangladesh’s desire to have Hasina return for the legal proceedings. “We have sent a note verbale to the Indian government saying Bangladesh wants her back for the judicial process,” Hossain told the media in Dhaka on Monday.
Hasina, 77, fled Bangladesh in August following widespread student-led protests that led to the collapse of her 16-year regime. The Bangladesh-based International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) had issued arrest warrants for Hasina and several other former high-ranking officials, including Cabinet ministers and military and civil personnel, on charges of “crimes against humanity and genocide.”
Earlier on Monday, Home Advisor Jahangir Alam also revealed that his office had sent a letter to the foreign ministry, initiating the extradition process. “We have sent a letter to the foreign ministry regarding her extradition. The process is currently underway,” Alam stated, confirming that efforts were being made to bring Hasina back to face the charges.
Alam further mentioned that the extradition of Hasina could be facilitated under an existing treaty between India and Bangladesh, paving the way for her potential return to Dhaka in the near future.