Send Sheikh Hasina Back: Bangladesh Urges India for Extradition
In a significant diplomatic development, Bangladesh’s interim government has formally requested India to extradite Sheikh Hasina, the deposed Prime Minister and Awami League leader. The 77-year-old politician fled to India on August 5 after widespread protests toppled her 16-year regime.
Legal Charges and Extradition Request
The Dhaka-based International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has issued arrest warrants for Sheikh Hasina and several of her ministers, advisors, and former officials, accusing them of crimes against humanity and genocide. Touhid Hossain, the interim government’s foreign affairs advisor, confirmed that a formal diplomatic note, known as a note verbale, has been sent to India, requesting Hasina’s return to face judicial proceedings.
Home Advisor Jahangir Alam added that the process is underway through existing extradition agreements between Dhaka and New Delhi. These treaties provide a legal framework for Sheikh Hasina’s extradition to Bangladesh.
India-Bangladesh Relations and Foreign Secretary’s Visit
This request comes weeks after Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Bangladesh. During his trip, he met with Chief Advisor and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus to discuss bilateral issues, including Sheikh Hasina’s situation. Misri emphasized the importance of protecting minorities in Bangladesh and addressed concerns over attacks on Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians under the interim regime.
According to a statement from the Chief Advisor’s office, Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India was a key topic during these discussions. Yunus expressed concern over her public statements from India, stating that they were creating tensions in Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasina’s Response and Allegations
From her current location, Sheikh Hasina has issued strong criticisms of the interim government, accusing Muhammad Yunus of orchestrating the political turmoil that led to her removal. Addressing Awami League supporters virtually, she alleged that Yunus was running a fascist regime and undermining the democratic progress achieved during her tenure.
Hasina highlighted her government’s efforts in poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, and strengthening democracy, claiming these were being undone under Yunus’s leadership. She also condemned the ongoing attacks on minorities, accusing the interim regime of failing to protect vulnerable communities.
Tensions Amid Political Upheaval
Since the interim government assumed power, reports of violence against minorities and religious sites have escalated, sparking international concern. Sheikh Hasina has labeled the new regime as oppressive, further intensifying tensions.
The extradition request underscores the deepening political divide in Bangladesh, with the interim government seeking to bring Hasina back to face charges while her supporters view this as a targeted political move.
This development reflects the fragile state of Bangladesh’s political landscape and its implications for India’s diplomatic role in the region. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on the legal and political repercussions of Sheikh Hasina’s potential return to Dhaka.
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