DHAKA:Â Bangladesh has formally requested India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangladesh confirmed it had sent a formal request to India. The request demands Hasina’s extradition for facing judicial proceedings in Bangladesh.
A senior Bangladeshi foreign policy advisor confirmed a diplomatic note was sent to India about Hasina’s extradition.
The Bangladesh government claims that India should facilitate the transfer under existing prisoner exchange agreements. The two countries have an established deal for prisoner exchanges, according to Bangladesh’s Interior Advisor.
Bangladesh’s former military leader, Lieutenant General (R) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, stated Bangladesh would follow this agreement. The country seeks Hasina’s extradition under the legal framework set by the exchange deal.
Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed it had received Bangladesh’s extradition request. However, no immediate reaction from India was issued. They are still evaluating the situation.
Sources claim that Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh after protests led by students began in July 2023. The protests turned into large-scale anti-government demonstrations. As the country grappled with widespread unrest, Hasina sought refuge in India on August 5, 2023. She has remained in India since then.
Reports suggest Hasina fled to avoid facing criminal charges for alleged human rights violations in Bangladesh. These accusations involve large-scale arrests, unlawful detentions, and extra-judicial killings of political opponents.
Sheikh Hasina’s government has faced continuous protests for years. Critics highlight her role in increasing government control and restricting opposition activities. The Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) was set up under Hasina’s leadership in 2010.
This tribunal was intended to investigate events during the Bangladesh Liberation War. However, critics allege that Hasina’s government misused the tribunal for political gains.
India has yet to release an official comment on Bangladesh’s extradition request. Diplomats in both countries are monitoring the situation closely.
