In a significant development, Bangladesh has formally requested the extradition of its former Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, from India. This move comes after Hasina has been residing in India since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024, subsequent to a wave of protests that resulted in her ousting from office. The request was made official through a diplomatic note, known as a note verbale, communicated to the Indian government. Touhid Hossain, Bangladesh’s foreign affairs adviser, has confirmed that the government is seeking Hasina’s return to face judicial proceedings concerning various allegations levied against her.
Although India has acknowledged receiving the extradition request, it has yet to comment on its course of action. The extradition request is facilitated under the existing extradition treaty between India and Bangladesh, which allows for the transfer of fugitives under certain conditions subject to mutual legal consent.
Bangladesh’s anti-corruption commission has also announced an investigation into allegations that Hasina and her family misappropriated funds amounting to $5 billion from a Russian-backed nuclear project. The allegations add to the already controversial claims of crimes against humanity during Hasina’s administration. The protests in Bangladesh, which led to her departure, were primarily student-led and revolved around several national issues, including a controversial job quota system. The protests had escalated to such levels that they reportedly resulted in over 750 deaths and numerous injuries.
With the International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka issuing arrest warrants against Hasina, the interim government of Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Yunus, has pressed for her extradition. The extradition request marks a complex diplomatic chapter between the neighboring nations, drawing international attention to the legal and human rights implications surrounding Hasina’s case.
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