Dhaka, Nov 30: Bangladesh expressed on Sunday its expectation for the extradition of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India “at the earliest.” However, the interim government emphasized that this issue alone would not hinder bilateral relations with New Delhi. Foreign Affairs Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain made these comments during a briefing with diplomatic reporters in Dhaka. He stated, “I think our (bilateral) relations won’t be stuck on one issue alone,” when asked if improved relations with India were contingent on Hasina’s repatriation.
Hossain noted that, having been declared a convict, Bangladesh anticipates Hasina’s return from India “at the earliest possible time.” The former prime minister was sentenced to death in absentia on November 17 by a special tribunal for “crimes against humanity” in connection with her government’s violent crackdown on student-led protests last year. The protests, described as the July Uprising, resulted in the fall of Hasina’s Awami League government on August 5, 2024, after which she sought asylum in India. A Bangladeshi court had previously deemed her a fugitive.
Addressing inquiries regarding Dhaka’s current ties with New Delhi under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, Hossain remarked that “India needs some time to adjust to the new realities.” Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism regarding improved relations, stating, “We would like to have better working relations with India based on mutual interests.”
Earlier in the week, Hossain indicated that India had not responded to Bangladesh’s earlier request for Hasina’s extradition, but he anticipated a reply from New Delhi now that the judicial process had concluded and the former premier had been convicted. The Bangladeshi foreign office sent an official letter to India last week requesting the extradition of 78-year-old Hasina following the tribunal’s verdict.
Hossain later informed reporters that the government was awaiting a response to the latest extradition request. He clarified that this formal request was transmitted through the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi in accordance with the existing extradition treaty between the two nations. Bangladesh had previously sent a note verbale in December of last year regarding Hasina’s extradition, which India acknowledged without further comments.
Law Adviser Asif Nazrul stated on November 20 that the interim government is also contemplating approaching the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague to seek the return of “fugitive convicts.” He reiterated this stance a few days later, asserting, “We believe India has an added responsibility to return them.” Following the tribunal’s ruling, India acknowledged the verdict concerning the former prime minister. The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi reaffirmed India’s commitment to the best interests of the Bangladeshi people, including promoting peace, democracy, inclusion, and stability in the country, emphasizing a constructive engagement with all stakeholders.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/12/01/hasinas-extradition-issue-wont-deter-ties-with-india-bangladesh/
Category: INTERNATIONAL
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-12-01 04:54:00
