Efforts are underway to bring back the ousted leader from India as Bangladesh intensifies its extradition push
DHAKA: Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has announced plans to seek the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from neighboring India, accusing her of orchestrating massacres during her tenure. The move follows Hasina’s dramatic departure from Bangladesh amid escalating student-led protests, culminating in her resignation and escape to India on August 5.
Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam revealed that legal proceedings will commence to secure Hasina’s return. The ICT, established by Hasina’s administration in 2010, was tasked with investigating war crimes committed during Bangladesh’s 1971 independence war from Pakistan. However, the tribunal now faces accusations of human rights abuses under Hasina’s government, including mass detentions and extrajudicial killings of political opponents.
Islam highlighted that Bangladesh and India have a criminal extradition treaty signed in 2013, during Hasina’s tenure. He emphasized that the treaty provides a legal framework for pursuing her extradition, despite the clause allowing refusal if the offense is deemed political. Hasina, 76, has not been publicly seen since fleeing Bangladesh. Her last known location is a military airbase near New Delhi. Dhaka has revoked her diplomatic passport, and the extradition treaty between the two countries could facilitate her return for trial.
Interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who assumed leadership following the unrest, has urged Hasina to remain silent while in exile until her legal issues are resolved. Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has voiced support for bringing Hasina back to face justice. This development marks a significant escalation in the political crisis in Bangladesh and underscores the ongoing tensions between Dhaka and New Delhi. The international community will be closely watching the unfolding legal and diplomatic processes surrounding Hasina’s potential extradition.
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