Bangladesh Seeks Extradition of Sheikh Hasina from India

In a significant diplomatic move, Bangladesh’s interim government has formally asked India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently living in New Delhi after being sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal. Hasina, 78, fled Bangladesh in August 2024 following the student-led “July Uprising” that toppled her administration.

The latest extradition request marks the third formal appeal from Dhaka, following previous notes sent in December 2024 and after the tribunal’s verdict. Along with Hasina, Bangladesh has also requested the return of former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who received a death sentence in the same case and is reportedly in India. Former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, a state witness, was sentenced to five years in prison.

Bangladesh’s foreign ministry emphasized that the extradition treaty between the two nations obliges India to return convicted individuals. Officials described India’s potential refusal to act as “a grave act of unfriendly conduct” and a serious setback for justice in Bangladesh.

The ouster of Hasina has left Bangladesh politically volatile. According to UN reports, the July-August 2024 crackdown resulted in approximately 1,400 deaths, which formed the basis for the tribunal’s charges. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership of the interim government in the aftermath of the protests, aiming to stabilize the country.

Despite the tension, recent diplomatic exchanges have hinted at cautious engagement. Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman met Indian counterparts in New Delhi, and there are reports of an invitation extended to India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval to visit Dhaka. Analysts suggest that the unfolding situation will test not only bilateral relations but also India’s stance on extradition cases involving high-profile political figures.

As the situation develops, all eyes remain on New Delhi’s response to Dhaka’s latest request, which could have far-reaching implications for regional diplomacy and Bangladesh’s fragile political landscape.