Bangladesh Pushes for Former Prime Minister's Return
Bangladesh's foreign affairs adviser, Mohammad Touhid Hossain, stated on Sunday that the interim government anticipates India will extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina "at the earliest" possible time. This demand comes after Hasina's conviction for crimes against humanity during last year's student-led protests that ultimately led to her resignation and exile.
Diplomatic Relations and Extradition Expectations
Hossain addressed reporters in Dhaka, emphasizing that bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India should not be hindered by a single issue. "I think our relations won't be stuck on one issue alone. However, since Hasina is now a declared convict, we expect her repatriation at the earliest possible time," he stated clearly.
The former prime minister received a death sentence in absentia on November 17 from a special tribunal. The conviction stemmed from her government's crackdown on the student-led movement known as the "July Uprising." These massive protests successfully toppled Hasina's Awami League regime on August 5, 2024, after which she sought and obtained refuge in India.
Legal Proceedings and Official Requests
Bangladeshi courts had previously declared the 78-year-old leader of the now-banned Awami League a fugitive from justice. Following the tribunal's verdict, Bangladesh's foreign office sent an official letter last week formally seeking Hasina's extradition.
This marks the second such request from Dhaka, as authorities had previously sent a note verbale in December last year seeking the former leader's return. According to India's Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi, the latest extradition request is currently being examined by Indian officials.
When questioned about Bangladesh's relationship with New Delhi under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, Hossain acknowledged that "India needs some time to adjust to the new realities" but expressed optimism about future cooperation. He added, "We would like to have better working relations with India based on interest," indicating a pragmatic approach to bilateral diplomacy.
