Bangladesh has formally requested India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to New Delhi following student-led protests against her government.
After facing significant backlash and protests, which culminated in her ousting, Hasina fled the country on August 5, 2024. Her departure followed what many are calling one of the most tumultuous political upheavals Bangladesh has seen, with reports stating over 750 people lost their lives during the protests. Bangladesh’s foreign affairs adviser, Md Touhid Hossain, confirmed the extradition request, stating, "We have informed India about our request to bring her back for the judicial process.”
The relationship between Bangladesh and India has grown more strained since Hasina’s departure. The interim government, now led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has been vocally advocating for her extradition to face multiple charges, including serious accusations of genocide and crimes against humanity.
Yunus’s administration is particularly focused on holding Hasina accountable for her government’s alleged human rights violations during the protests. The situation prompted Hossain to send a diplomatic note to the Indian government, requesting Hasina's return for judicial proceedings.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs acknowledged receipt of the extradition request, but they refrained from providing additional comments on the matter. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted, "We confirm we have received a note verbal from the Bangladesh High Commission today… we have no comment to offer on this matter.”
Speculation about what might happen next is rife as Bangladesh waits for India’s response. Should there be no reply, the Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson, Mohammad Rafiqul Alam, indicated they would send reminder letters, emphasizing, "So far, we are yet to receive any reply from New Delhi.”
The urgency of the situation is palpable, as the current interim government has promised to pursue legal action against Hasina and others from her administration, insisting on transparency and accountability from the previous regime. Underlining the seriousness of her situation, the Dhaka-based International Crimes Tribunal has issued arrest warrants for Hasina and other key members of her former government.
The international political climate adds to the complexity of the potential extradition. The extradition treaty signed between Bangladesh and India back in 2013, which was later amended, provides the legal framework for such requests. This treaty could play a pivotal role as the two countries navigate the waters of this contentious political climate.
Notably, the various charges against Hasina span over 100 cases, heightening her precarious status. Allegations of tragic deaths stemming from the protests and her administration’s handling of the unrest have raised significant questions about justice and governance. The people of Bangladesh are particularly interested to see the outcome of this situation, especially those affected directly by the violence.
On her part, Hasina has also made calls for wide-ranging investigations, asserting, "Many deaths may have involved others beyond security agencies.” This self-defense strategy may be part of her effort to maintain public sympathy and project herself as someone who could unite the country through dialogue.
Despite the severe charges, speculation remains about whether India will take necessary action, considering its historically complex relationship with Bangladesh, which at times has included both cooperation and tension. Can the extradition of Sheikh Hasina occur, or will her status as former Prime Minister offer her asylum from facing these charges?
The outcome of this situation remains uncertain, and as Bangladesh continues to push for Hasina's extradition, the eyes of both nations—and the world—are firmly fixed on how this diplomatic matter will evolve.
