Bangladesh Demands Extradition of Sheikh Hasina from India, Threatens Legal Action
Team Finance Saathi
22/Jan/2025

What's covered under the Article:
- Bangladesh demands Hasina’s return from India, threatening to seek international intervention if extradition fails.
- Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal issues arrest warrants for Hasina, accusing her of crimes against humanity and genocide.
- Tensions rise between India and Bangladesh over extradition and political disputes involving minority rights and governance.
The Bangladesh interim government has escalated its stance on the return of Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister, who has been living in India for some time. Asif Nazrul, Bangladesh's Law Adviser, confirmed on Tuesday that the government would continue to pursue Hasina’s extradition, and if India refuses to comply, it would be a clear violation of the India-Bangladesh extradition treaty. Nazrul emphasized that Bangladesh had formally sent a diplomatic note to India last year, requesting the extradition of Hasina, who is facing charges of crimes against humanity and genocide.
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Bangladesh recently issued arrest warrants for Hasina and several former cabinet ministers, military, and civil officials, citing their roles in atrocities. These developments have intensified the diplomatic rift between India and Bangladesh. According to Nazrul, the extradition request is grounded in the extradition treaty, with the statement underscoring the legal obligations between the two countries.
However, the treaty’s political character clause could complicate the matter. Extradition may be refused if the charges are considered to be political in nature. Hasina’s supporters argue that her charges are politically motivated, which could hinder her return to Bangladesh under the treaty. Furthermore, the treaty specifies that extradition can only occur if the individual has been sentenced to at least four months in prison, a provision that may also be a factor in the current standoff.
The tension comes amid accusations of attacks on religious minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh under the current leadership of Muhammad Yunus. Hasina's supporters have accused the interim government of failing to protect minorities and committing genocide.
The Bangladesh government is also taking steps to escalate the matter on the international stage, with red alerts already issued as part of the extradition process. Nazrul further stated that Bangladesh would seek international support if necessary to ensure Hasina's return, highlighting the significance of this issue in the ongoing India-Bangladesh relations.
The diplomatic relations between the two neighboring countries continue to deteriorate, with India also expressing concerns over the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh. These developments could have significant implications for Bangladesh's political landscape and its relationship with India, affecting trade, security cooperation, and regional dynamics.
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