Bangladesh is actively seeking a response from India on its request to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina was recently handed a death sentence for alleged crimes against humanity linked to the violence that transpired in July-August 2024. The formal extradition proceedings were initiated by Dhaka last week, subsequent to Hasina’s conviction.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, M Touhid Hossain, stated that the country expects India to respond promptly, highlighting the changed circumstances now that a judicial process has concluded with a conviction. Dhaka’s appeal to New Delhi is grounded in the bilateral extradition treaty, which Bangladesh asserts places a ‘binding duty’ on India to facilitate the return of the accused.
The Bangladeshi Ministry of External Affairs’ official communication warned that sheltering individuals convicted of such grave offenses would be seen as an ‘extremely unfriendly act’ and a defiance of justice. The ministry explicitly called for the immediate deportation and handover of both Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to Bangladeshi authorities.
Earlier, India had indicated it had taken note of the verdict and would engage constructively with Bangladesh to support the country’s best interests, emphasizing its commitment to peace and stability in the region.