Bangladesh to Approach Interpol for Extradition of Sheikh Hasina, Former Minister Kamal from India

Bangladesh is preparing to reach out to Interpol as it pushes forward with plans to secure the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal from India. Both leaders were recently sentenced to death in absentia over the violent student protests that shook the country last year.

Government Prepares Formal Request

The interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus urged New Delhi on Monday to hand over Hasina and Kamal after the International Crimes Tribunal announced its verdict. According to a report from The Daily Star, the Chief Prosecutor's Office is drafting the necessary documents for an Interpol-assisted request, which will be forwarded to India through Bangladesh's foreign ministry.

Officials expect the letter to reach New Delhi in the coming days. The move follows heightened pressure in Dhaka after Hasina and Kamal were held responsible for alleged atrocities committed during the July 2024 student uprising.

Background on the Verdict

On Monday, Sheikh Hasina received a death sentence for "crimes against humanity" linked to the crackdown on protesters. The tribunal delivered a similar sentence to Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Hasina has been in India since August 5, 2024, after fleeing the unrest that forced her government from power.

Soon after the verdict, Bangladesh's foreign ministry said its extradition treaty with India made her return an "obligatory responsibility" for New Delhi. The ministry also expressed disapproval of any country offering shelter to the convicted leaders, stating, "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."

India Responds to the Tribunal's Decision

India has acknowledged the tribunal's ruling but has avoided commenting directly on the extradition request. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said, "As a close neighbour, India remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including in peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country. We will always engage constructively with all stakeholders to that end."

However, Reuters quoted an Indian government source saying that extradition is a complex and lengthy undertaking. According to the source, authorities must thoroughly examine tribunal documents to verify that proper procedures were followed and that testimonies were credible and fairly presented. Without these records, India cannot proceed. Officials also noted that the treaty includes clauses that prevent extradition if a case appears to be politically driven.

Dhaka Presses Its Claim

Despite India's cautious stance, Dhaka insists that refusing to return Hasina would be viewed negatively. The interim government argued that failure to extradite her would amount to "a highly unfriendly gesture and an affront to justice."