Bangladesh asks India to extradite former PM Hasina for ‘judicial process’
Sign up now: Get insights on Asia's fast-moving developments
Ties between Bangladesh and India have become fraught since ousted Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina took refuge across the border.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Follow topic:
DHAKA – Bangladesh has told its neighbour India that it wants its former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to New Delhi in August, back in the country for “judicial process”, the acting head of the country’s Foreign Ministry said on Dec 23.
Ties between the South Asian neighbours, which have strong trade and cultural links, have become fraught since Ms Hasina was ousted following violent protests against her rule and she took refuge across the border.
Dhaka’s request to New Delhi on Dec 23 came two weeks after India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Bangladesh and the two countries said they hoped to clear the clouds and pursue constructive relations.
“We sent a note verbale to the Indian government saying that the Bangladesh government wants her (Hasina) back here for judicial process,” Bangladesh’s Adviser for Foreign Affairs Touhid Hossain told reporters, referring to diplomatic correspondence between the two countries.
Mr Hossain did not elaborate on the judicial process.
Ms Hasina’s son, Mr Sajeeb Wazed, did not immediately respond to requests seeking comment.
“We confirm that we have received a note verbale from the Bangladesh High Commission today in connection with an extradition request. At this time, we have no comment to offer on this matter,” the official spokesperson of India’s Ministry of External Affairs said.
The head of Bangladesh’s interim government, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has demanded that India send Ms Hasina back so that Bangladesh can try her for what it says are crimes against protesters and her opponents
Mr Yunus has also been upset with Ms Hasina for criticising his administration from New Delhi.
Ms Hasina faces numerous charges, including crimes against humanity, genocide and murder. She has denied the charges.
Mr Misri visited Dhaka earlier in December and reiterated India’s commitment to pursuing a constructive relationship with Dhaka.
New Delhi has said that Ms Hasina came to India at a short notice for “safety reasons” and continues to remain there, without elaborating. REUTERS
