Bangladesh seeks extradition of exiled PM Sheikh Hasina from India for judicial proceedings | WATCH

The interim government of Bangladesh has officially requested India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in exile since August 5. Hasina, 77, fled the country amid massive student-led protests that toppled her 16-year regime. Arrest warrants issued by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) accuse her and several former officials of "crimes against humanity and genocide."

Diplomatic nsent to India

Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain confirmed on Monday that a diplomatic note, or "note verbale," was sent to the Indian government seeking Hasina’s extradition for judicial proceedings. "Bangladesh wants her back here for the judicial process," Hossain told reporters.

Home Adviser Jahangir Alam stated earlier that his office had forwarded a letter to the foreign ministry to facilitate the extradition process. Alam emphasized that an existing extradition treaty between Dhaka and New Delhi could be utilized to bring Hasina back to face charges.

🔴 #BreakingNews‌: Bangladesh formally asks India to handover ousted PM Sheikh Hasina

We have communicated to the Indian government that we want #Hasina back in our country to face the legal system. #Bangladesh govt has sent a note verbale to #India: Dr Touhid Hossain, Advisor… pic.twitter.com/J9jzcYGASf

— Indrajit Kundu | ইন্দ্রজিৎ (@iindrojit) December 23, 2024

Commitment to justice

Last month, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus reaffirmed the interim government’s commitment to justice during a national address marking 100 days of his administration. "We must ensure justice in every killing. We will also ask India to send back fallen autocrat Sheikh Hasina," Yunus said.

Yunus also accused the ousted regime of severe human rights violations, claiming that around 1,500 people were killed and over 19,000 injured during the protests.

India’s role and Hasina’s response

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul indicated that Bangladesh would strongly oppose any attempt by India to deny the extradition request. In a September interview, Yunus criticized Hasina for making political statements from India, calling it an "unfriendly gesture" and urging her to remain silent to avoid diplomatic tensions.

In recent weeks, Hasina has accused the interim government of "genocide" and neglecting minority protection, escalating political tensions between the two nations.