India officially acknowledged receiving an extradition request from the interim government of Bangladesh, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, seeking the return of former prime minister and Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina to face judicial proceedings in Dhaka. The request, delivered as a note verbale, was confirmed by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a press briefing on Monday. While confirming receipt, Jaiswal refrained from commenting further on the matter, indicating that the issue is under review.
"We confirm that we have received a note verbale from the Bangladesh High Commission today in connection with an extradition request. Currently, we have no comment to offer on this matter," Jaiswal stated. A note verbale is a formal diplomatic communication typically unsigned and written in the third person, often used for sensitive matters.
The diplomatic communication comes amid heightened political tensions in Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina, now 77, fled to New Delhi on August 5 after massive anti-government protests in Bangladesh led to the collapse of her 16-year regime. Since her departure, she has faced numerous allegations, including charges of crimes against humanity, corruption, and responsibility for civilian deaths during her tenure. The Dhaka-based International Crimes Tribunal has issued arrest warrants against her, and the interim Yunus government has reportedly sought assistance from Interpol to facilitate her apprehension.
Bangladesh’s de facto Foreign Minister Touhid Hossain confirmed the request, emphasizing the urgency of ensuring Hasina's return to face trial. “We have sent a note verbale to the Indian government saying that Bangladesh wants her back here for the judicial process,” Hossain said. Meanwhile, Home Adviser Jahangir Alam added that his office has communicated with the foreign ministry to expedite the matter. “We have sent a letter to the foreign ministry regarding her extradition. The process is currently underway,” Alam noted. He highlighted the existing extradition treaty between Dhaka and New Delhi, which could serve as the legal framework for Hasina’s return.
The situation has also raised questions about the broader implications for India-Bangladesh relations. Sheikh Hasina has been a key figure in fostering bilateral ties between the two nations during her tenure, with collaborations in areas such as trade, security, and regional stability. However, her political decline and the current request from the Yunus-led interim government have placed India in a diplomatically sensitive position. New Delhi must balance its response to the request with its longstanding ties to Hasina’s Awami League, while also respecting the legal and political dynamics within Bangladesh.
Hasina’s abrupt exit from Bangladesh followed widespread protests against her government, marked by allegations of electoral manipulation, suppression of opposition voices, and economic mismanagement. Critics of her regime have accused her of authoritarian tendencies, while her supporters claim that her leadership was instrumental in driving Bangladesh’s economic growth and improving regional cooperation. Her current predicament, however, underscores the volatility of Bangladeshi politics and the challenges of navigating governance transitions.
In the meantime, the Yunus government, which assumed power amid a turbulent political climate, has been making swift moves to consolidate its position. The extradition request is part of broader efforts to address alleged injustices from Hasina's tenure, as well as to establish the credibility of the interim administration. Observers note that the Yunus government’s approach could influence the trajectory of Bangladesh’s political landscape, including the potential for fresh elections and the restoration of democratic processes.
India’s decision on the extradition request is expected to have significant repercussions, not only for its bilateral relations with Bangladesh but also for regional stability in South Asia. International stakeholders are closely monitoring The unfolding situation, with concerns about potential impacts on governance, human rights, and the rule of law in Bangladesh. For now, New Delhi has adopted a cautious stance, indicating that the matter requires careful deliberation given its sensitivity and potential consequences.
