Request for Extradition of Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Sent to India
DHAKA, Bangladesh — Bangladesh has made a formal appeal to India, asking for the extradition of its former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. She fled to New Delhi in August during significant student-led protests that resulted in her departure from power after 15 years, a government adviser announced on Monday.
Md Touhid Hossain, who serves as the foreign affairs adviser, informed reporters that the Bangladeshi government has submitted a diplomatic note to India’s Foreign Ministry. “We have officially requested India’s assistance in returning her for judicial proceedings,” Hossain stated, though he did not share further details.
India’s Foreign Ministry confirmed receipt of the request but did not provide additional information on the matter.
In response to the extradition request, Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed, expressed his discontent on his Facebook page, questioning the fairness of the legal processes being applied. He described the tribunal handling her case as politically motivated, stating it undermines justice and targets the leadership of Hasina’s Awami League party.
Wazed further claimed that the ongoing legal actions against his mother and her associates are part of a broader campaign of oppression, highlighting the violence and human rights abuses taking place under the current regime. He noted, “This situation comes amidst alarming reports of extrajudicial killings and wrongful imprisonments happening daily.”
Sheikh Hasina left Bangladesh following a wave of protests in July and August that, according to officials, resulted in hundreds of fatalities and numerous injuries. She now faces multiple legal challenges, including accusations of crimes against humanity related to these events.
The International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka has issued arrest warrants for Hasina and her close advisors, and the Bangladeshi government has requested assistance from Interpol in her capture.
In a statement last month, interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who received the Nobel Prize in 2006, indicated that his government intends to pursue Hasina’s extradition. The interim administration is also planning to hold trials for Hasina and members of her past administration concerning alleged actions during the uprising. Additionally, they have welcomed support from the United Nations for investigations into the violence that occurred.
Human Rights Watch recently urged the interim government to change laws to abolish the death penalty in cases stemming from the tribunal. They emphasized the need for a fair trial and advised against extraditing Hasina and her associates without these legal safeguards in place.
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Julhas Alam contributed to this report.
