Interim Bangladesh Govt Sends Official Request To India For Sheikh Hasina’s Extradition

Bangladesh's interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, has formally sent an official letter to New Delhi requesting the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The move comes after the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh (ICT-BD) sentenced Hasina to death for "crimes against humanity," a verdict delivered in her absence as she and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal are currently in India.

According to state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), foreign affairs adviser Touhid Hossain confirmed that the letter was dispatched on Friday, though he did not provide further details. The ICT-BD verdict, issued on November 17, handed capital punishment to 78-year-old Hasina and her then home minister. The tribunal also sentenced former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun to five years in prison; Mamun appeared in person and acted as an approver in the case.

The charges stem from allegations that Hasina and her officials used excessive force against protestors during the violent student-led 'July Uprising' that toppled her Awami League government on August 5 last year. A UN rights office report estimated that around 1,400 people were killed between July 15 and August 15 during the unrest.

Three days after Hasina's ouster, Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus returned from Paris to assume charge as the head of the interim government at the request of protesting students. The current administration previously sent a diplomatic note in December last year, seeking Hasina's extradition. India acknowledged the communication but did not comment further at the time.

Following last week's ICT-BD verdict, India's External Affairs Ministry stated that it had "noted" the tribunal's decision. It reiterated that India remains committed to the peace, democracy, inclusion, and stability of Bangladesh and will continue engaging constructively with all stakeholders.

Law adviser Asif Nazrul said on November 20 that the government planned to send a formal request to India for the return of Hasina and Kamal and was also considering approaching the International Criminal Court (ICC) to repatriate the "fugitive convicts." He reiterated this position three days later, emphasising that India bears an "added responsibility" in ensuring their extradition.