India and Bangladesh
Bangladesh has officially requested India to facilitate the return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to New Delhi in August, in order to engage in a “judicial process,” as reported by the acting head of the foreign ministry. Touhid Hossain announced to the press on Monday that a note was issued to the Indian government, signifying the Bangladeshi government’s wish for Hasina’s repatriation for judicial proceedings. Hossain did not provide any further details on the judicial process.
“The official representative of India’s Ministry of External Affairs commented, ‘We confirm the receipt of a verbal note from Bangladesh High Commission today regarding an extradition request. At this time, we are unable to provide any further comments on this matter”.
The relationship between the South Asian nations, which share significant trade and cultural ties, has become strained following the removal of Hasina after violent protests against her governance, prompting her to take refuge in a neighboring country. Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government and a Nobel laureate, has urged India to send Hasina, enabling Bangladesh to prosecute her for purported crimes against demonstrators and her political rivals, as well as for alleged misconduct during her 15-year rule.
Dhaka requested this after India’s foreign ministers visited Bangladesh and two other countries to strengthen their relationship. Hasinas is charged with several crimes against humanity like murder and homicides etc which she denies.
An arrest warrant has been issued by the Dhaka-based International Crimes Tribunal for Hasina and her close associates, leading the government to seek the assistance of Interpol for her arrest. The commission noted that the allegations surrounding kickbacks, mismanagement, money laundering, and potential misuse of power significantly undermine the integrity of the project and the proper use of public resources.
