Bangladesh’s interim government announced on Monday that it has formally requested India to extradite deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in exile in India since August 5. The diplomatic communication, sent in the form of a note verbale, seeks Hasina’s return to face judicial proceedings in Dhaka.
Sheikh Hasina, 77, fled Bangladesh amid widespread student-led protests that ended her 16-year rule. The Dhaka-based International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has issued arrest warrants against her, along with several former Cabinet ministers, advisers, and military and civil officials, on charges of “crimes against humanity and genocide.”
“We have sent a note verbale to the Indian government, stating that Bangladesh wants her back here for the judicial process,” said Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain, who serves as the de facto foreign minister, during a press briefing at his office.
Earlier in the day, Home Adviser Jahangir Alam confirmed that his office had submitted a letter to the foreign ministry to expedite the extradition process.
“We have sent a letter to the foreign ministry regarding her extradition. The process is currently underway,” Alam said in response to media queries.
Alam also highlighted that an existing extradition treaty between Bangladesh and India provides the legal framework for Hasina’s return.
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