- BNP submits list of 848 July-August martyrs to tribunal |
- Aynaghar sample of AL govt's brutality; CA says after visit |
- Automated Weather Station (AWS) at SAU |
- UN says former BD govt behind possible 'crimes against humanity' |
- UN report finds brutal, systematic repression of July protests |
BD to Follow Up with India on Hasina’s Extradition Request
Bangladesh has confirmed it sent a diplomatic note (note verbale) to India in December last year, requesting the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The note, accompanied by relevant documents, sought Hasina’s return, and Bangladesh is now preparing to send a reminder at the appropriate time.
The announcement came during a weekly media briefing on Thursday, where Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam addressed queries about the extradition process. Responding to a question about whether Bangladesh had forwarded an arrest warrant or the necessary legal documents for Hasina's extradition, Alam clarified that the required documentation, as stipulated by the extradition treaty between the two countries, was indeed sent to India.
When asked about the timing of the reminder, Alam emphasized that the decision would be both diplomatic and political. "A reminder will be issued when the leadership deems the timing right," he explained.
Despite Bangladesh's diplomatic note, India has not yet responded to the extradition request. Alam reiterated that Bangladesh continues to expect a reply from India. “We remain hopeful for a response,” he said.
Hasina, currently residing in India, faces over 100 charges, including murder, genocide, and crimes against humanity related to her alleged involvement in the killings during the July-August uprising, which led to her fleeing to India in August.
Bangladesh and India signed an extradition treaty in 2013, which was later amended in 2016 to streamline the extradition process. The treaty is designed to facilitate the swift return of fugitive criminals between the two nations.
The interim government of Bangladesh claims that Hasina played a pivotal role in authorizing the "massacre" during the unrest. In September, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus reiterated that Hasina should face justice for her actions, stating, “If she committed crimes, she should be extradited and brought to justice.”
India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, confirmed that India had received the extradition request from Bangladesh's interim government but did not offer any further details. Bangladesh is awaiting a formal response from New Delhi, after which it will decide on the next steps.