NewDelhi: Months after a political coup in Bangladesh, the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus has approached the government of India to extradite the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The extradition request, reportedly sent through diplomatic channels, comes at a time when the two neighboring countries are experiencing severe tension.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that they have received the extradition request but have not given any clear remark on the matter. In a press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We confirm that we have received a note verbale from the High Commission of Bangladesh regarding the extradition request. For now, we have no comments to make.”
Sheikh Hasina, who had to flee Bangladesh to India on 5 August 2024 due to massive anti-government protests in Dhaka, which turned violent and generated significant unrest, is now in this situation. She is accused of the crimes related to the violence and deaths that occurred during the protests and hence now has to deal with various court cases in Bangladesh. The Yunus-led interim regime took power shortly after her leaving the country, at which time there were alarming reports of persecution of Hindus and other minority groups. These events have seriously affected the relationship between India and Bangladesh.
Besides her legal conundrum, Sheikh Hasina and her friends now already have to deal with the arrest warrants that have been issued by the International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka. It has also been reported that the interim government has turned to Interpol for assistance in the effort to ensure her arrest.
The newest attempt stands on the confirmation of Bangladesh’s home adviser, Jahangir Alam, who said Monday that the country’s foreign ministry has delivered a letter to finalize Hasina’s extradition. Alam also informed the media, “We have sent a letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is the first step of the process. The process has not yet been finalized.” Beyond that, he indicated that the existing treaty on extradition that India and Bangladesh have signed can be used as the legal framework through which Bangladesh’s Hasina can return to face the charges in Dhaka.
The extradition issue has also brought emphasis on the balancing of India’s diplomatic affairs. While New Delhi has not issued any official statement apart from confirming the request, disputes rekindled between the two areas on account of the happenings in Dhaka regarding the political situation and human rights issues regarding the interim government.
Political pundits argue that India is the one who ultimately has to decide to what extent it will get involved. If Sheikh Hasina is extradited, it could hurt India’s image among its allies, whereas rejecting the request would not only hurt India’s image but would also make things worse between the Indian administration and the current Bangladeshi government. The crisis is unfolding in the meanwhile, and the eyes of the world are on whether the effects will be on the overall diplomatic posture in the South region.