Bangladesh Seeks Sheikh Hasina's Extradition from India, Cites "Highly Unfriendly Act" After Death Sentence

Bangladesh has formally asked India to hand over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was recently sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal. She has been living in India after being ousted from power during student led protests last year.

Official Communication Sent to New Delhi

The Bangladesh foreign ministry sent a written communication to the Indian government calling Hasina a "fugitive accused" and requested her extradition in line with the bilateral extradition agreement. The letter stated that it was an "obligatory responsibility" for India to support her return in view of the tribunal ruling. The note further said, "Providing refuge to these individuals, who have been convicted of crimes against humanity, by any other country would be a highly unfriendly act and a disregard for justice".

The ministry cited the verdict that found both Sheikh Hasina and former interior minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal guilty. The tribunal also held former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun guilty of committing "crimes against humanity".

Background of Hasina's Exile

Sheikh Hasina was forced out of power after intense student led demonstrations that shook Bangladesh in July last year. The protests escalated into a nationwide uprising that culminated in the collapse of her government and her exit from the country in August. Since then she has been living in India. Her son Sajeeb Wazed earlier confirmed that she was staying in a secure location in Delhi under Indian protection.

Hasina had previously conveyed her appreciation to the people of India for sheltering her, saying, "I must add that I am deeply grateful to the Indian people for providing me with a safe haven this past year". She declined to comply with a court order instructing her to return to Bangladesh for trial proceedings.

Hasina Denies Allegations and Calls Tribunal Political

Following the death sentence ruling, Sheikh Hasina dismissed the accusations and called the tribunal's actions politically influenced. She claimed the process was led by an "unelected government with no democratic mandate" and insisted that the judgment was biased. She stated that the tribunal order was made by a "rigged tribunal established and presided over by an unelected government with no democratic mandate".

In her written remarks, she said, "They are biased and politically motivated. In their distasteful call for the death penalty, they reveal the brazen and murderous intent of extremist figures within the interim government to remove Bangladesh's last elected prime minister, and to nullify the Awami League as a political force".

The tribunal found her guilty on three grounds including incitement, ordering killings and failing to prevent abuses during the July crackdown. The judgment arrives just months before Bangladesh prepares for its next national election scheduled for February 2026.