New Delhi: Bangladesh has formally requested the extradition of its former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been residing in India since her ouster in August 2024, in a move that could strain bilateral ties.
The demand, outlined in a letter sent to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday, accuses Hasina of crimes against humanity, including mass killings during her 15-year rule, and seeks her return to face trial.
Hasina, 78, fled to India after violent protests ended her tenure, and Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has since issued an arrest warrant.
The letter invokes the 2013 India-Bangladesh extradition treaty, though legal experts note India may refuse if the charges are deemed “political in nature”. Hasina faces a death sentence in Dhaka for her alleged role in protest-related deaths, intensifying the diplomatic stakes.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed receipt of the letter, stating it is under legal review. “India values its ties with Bangladesh and will address the matter as per international law,” he said, emphasising support for Bangladesh’s democratic aspirations.
However, India’s silence about Hasina’s exact whereabouts has fuelled speculation, with reports suggesting she is in a secure location near Delhi.
The demand has sparked debate in India, with some viewing it as a test of New Delhi’s commitment to justice, while others see Hasina as a key ally against regional extremism.
As Dhaka awaits India’s response, the issue threatens to reshape South Asian geopolitics.