India yet to reply as Dhaka seeks formal extradition of former PM Sheikh Hasina

Bangladesh has said that it is still waiting for India to respond to its formal request to extradite former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been sentenced to death for what the International Crimes Tribunal described as “crimes against humanity.” The verdict is linked to the violent incidents that took place between July and August 2024, a period that saw large-scale unrest, political clashes, and loss of life across the country.

The government of Bangladesh considers Hasina an absconding convict and wants her to be returned to the country to face the punishment announced by the court. Senior Foreign Affairs Adviser M Touhid Hossain said on Wednesday that Bangladesh expects New Delhi to “address the issue” now that the entire judicial process has been completed. He stated that the situation had changed compared to earlier stages because the court had now delivered its final judgment.

Hossain explained that Bangladesh had already taken the required legal steps. He said India must consider Dhaka’s request seriously because the matter now involved a convicted former prime minister and another senior political leader. The adviser added that Bangladesh had faith in India to respond appropriately as both countries are bound by a bilateral extradition treaty signed years ago.

ALSO READ: Bangladesh faces rising tensions as legal battle over Hasina intensifies

ALSO READ: Dharmendra’s political journey reveals his surprising wish for absolute control

Bangladesh cites extradition treaty while pressing for Hasina’s return

Last week, Bangladesh formally wrote to India, invoking the extradition treaty between the two nations. The communication was sent by the Ministry of External Affairs of Bangladesh, which argued that India had a “binding duty” under the treaty to hand over individuals who had been declared fugitives by Bangladeshi courts. The letter strongly urged India to act promptly.

Bangladesh referred to the judgment delivered by the International Crimes Tribunal, which found Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal guilty of several severe charges. According to the tribunal, both leaders played crucial roles in acts that were classified as crimes against humanity. The letter mentioned that any country providing shelter to such convicts would be acting against justice and harming bilateral trust.

The foreign ministry’s letter said, “Today’s verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal has found absconding convicts Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal guilty of heinous crimes and sentenced them to death.” It added that protecting or hosting the two individuals would be seen as an “extremely unfriendly act” and a major insult to Bangladesh’s legal process.

The letter further stressed that Bangladesh expected India to immediately deport and hand over both Hasina and Kamal so they could face the punishment ordered by the court. It reminded New Delhi that the extradition treaty between the neighbours was clear, and that India’s cooperation was essential. The ministry said the treaty made it India’s responsibility to return anyone accused or convicted of serious crimes in Bangladesh.

This move by Bangladesh reflects the political tension that has existed since Sheikh Hasina was removed from office and later convicted. The former prime minister has been one of the most influential political figures in Bangladesh for decades. Her ouster and subsequent conviction have changed the political landscape, creating new challenges for the newly installed government in Dhaka.

The request for extradition comes at a time when Bangladesh is trying to restore order and assure its citizens and international partners that justice will be served. The government claims the verdict is part of its commitment to accountability and fairness, especially for victims of the 2024 violence. Meanwhile, supporters of Hasina have criticised the verdict, calling it politically motivated, though the government has rejected such claims.

India says it has taken note and will act in the interest of Bangladeshi people

India responded to Dhaka’s request by saying it had taken note of the court’s verdict and Bangladesh’s communication. New Delhi said it would engage constructively with Bangladesh and work for the best interests of the people of the neighbouring country. India did not give a direct answer on whether it would extradite Sheikh Hasina or when a formal response would be communicated.

In its official statement, India said, “India has noted the verdict announced by the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh concerning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.” It added that India, as a close neighbour, remained committed to supporting peace, stability, democracy, and inclusion in Bangladesh. According to New Delhi, these principles guide its approach to all matters related to Bangladesh.

India also stated that it would “engage constructively with all stakeholders” to ensure that the interests of the Bangladeshi people are upheld. This line suggests that India may consider multiple factors, including humanitarian, political, diplomatic and legal elements, before making a final decision on the extradition request. However, the statement did not specify any timeline, leaving the matter open.

The extradition issue carries major diplomatic weight for both countries. For Bangladesh, bringing Hasina back would show that it can enforce court decisions even against top leaders. For India, the decision involves balancing legal obligations, international diplomacy, and humanitarian considerations. The political impact of this decision will also be significant, as Sheikh Hasina has long been seen as an important figure in India-Bangladesh relations.

For now, Dhaka is waiting for India’s official reply. The outcome could shape the direction of bilateral ties, influence regional politics, and affect the domestic political situation in Bangladesh. With the conviction now final, Bangladesh expects an answer soon. India has indicated it is examining the issue carefully, but the timing and nature of its response remain uncertain.