Dhaka: Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Towhid Hossain announced on Thursday (15 August 2024) that the government is weighing the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country earlier this month amid escalating legal cases and civil unrest. Speaking to Reuters, Hossain revealed that while the decision rests with the country’s home and law ministers, the government is under growing pressure as the number of cases against Hasina continues to rise.
“We don’t want to speculate, but we are facing a number of cases against Sheikh Hasina,” Hossain stated, adding that the government would soon make a formal decision on whether to pursue her extradition. The former Prime Minister is currently residing in Delhi, reportedly exploring options for political asylum—a move that has created a delicate diplomatic situation for India, according to Hossain. “I am sure India will take care of all these things,” he added, without elaborating on the details.
Sheikh Hasina, who led the Awami League, fled Bangladesh on 5 August 2024 as the nation was gripped by widespread riots and protests. Her sudden departure came amidst allegations of her involvement in two murder cases, along with other members of her party. The charges stem from the killing of grocery shop owner Abu Saeed during police firing at a pro-reservation rally in Mohammadpur on July 19. The legal proceedings target Hasina, two former ministers from her cabinet, and six others, including a dismissed police chief.
Following Hasina’s exit, chaos ensued in Bangladesh, with angry protesters targeting the homes of Awami League leaders and defacing monuments associated with the party. Reports from local media indicated that several party officials were brutally attacked and killed by mobs.
The situation has left Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, in a difficult position. As tensions continue to simmer, the question of Hasina’s extradition remains a contentious issue both domestically and in diplomatic circles, with the outcome likely to shape the country’s political landscape for years to come.
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