Bangladesh May Seek Sheikh Hasina's Extradition From India Amid Mounting Cases Against Ex-PM

The political situation in Bangladesh has become increasingly tense following a violent uprising against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, leading to her fleeing the country for India on August 5.

The unrest resulted in nearly 300 deaths, including those of many students, and Hasina has since been implicated in at least two murder cases.

Photo Credit: PTI

Amid these developments, Mohammed Touhid Hossain, the interim government's foreign affairs advisor, has indicated that the government might consider seeking her extradition from India.

In a statement quoted by Reuters TV, Hossain remarked on the potential diplomatic dilemma surrounding Hasina's presence in New Delhi.

He said, "Her staying in Delhi, in India, the question comes that...there are so many cases (against Hasina) that could be... again some speculating, I am not a person right to answer this, if there is a request from there (Ministry of Home and Ministry of Law) we have to ask for her, you know, return to Bangladesh."

He further added that the Indian government might face an uncomfortable situation due to her presence, saying, "If there is a demand from there, and that creates an embarrassing situation for the Indian government. So I think the Indian government knows this and I am sure they will take care of it."

The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Mohammed Yunus, has already taken decisive actions, including the arrest of at least three of Hasina's former ministers and advisers.

Hossain, in his first interview with international media since taking office, highlighted Yunus' dissatisfaction with the ongoing situation, particularly the statements from Hasina during her time in India.

"Professor Yunus is very unhappy about the way the statements are coming from India, from the former Prime Minister. He is quite unhappy about this and I have conveyed this to the High Commissioner (of India). I have also told the press that we have conveyed this because we believe in transparent relations," Hossain revealed.

Another critical issue raised by Hossain was the ongoing Rohingya crisis. He emphasised Bangladesh's overburdened position and urged India to share the responsibility.

"India is a very large country, if they want to take some, it's fine. We have taken a million, let them take 200,000, I don't mind. But the goal is their repatriation to their country," he stated.

Hossain stressed that Bangladesh could no longer accommodate more Rohingya refugees, calling for global responsibility in addressing the humanitarian crisis.

"We are not in a position to allow any more Rohingyas to enter. It's a humanitarian issue that involves the entire world, not only Bangladesh. We have done more than our share, and the world should take charge of that," he added.

This evolving situation highlights the complex dynamics between Bangladesh and India, as well as the broader international community, as they navigate the repercussions of the political upheaval and humanitarian challenges.