Sheikh Hasina extradition: Bangladesh’s interim government has formally requested India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina through an official diplomatic note, marking a significant escalation in the political crisis that began with her ouster earlier this year.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain confirmed that Bangladesh has sent a “note verbale” to the Indian government requesting the return of Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India on August 5 following a massive student-led movement that forced her from power.
“We have sent a note verbale to India requesting to send Sheikh Hasina back,” Hossain said in an official statement.
The movement that led to Hasina’s departure resulted in more than 600 deaths during weeks of intense protests and violent clashes across the country.
Hasina Points to Conspiracy
Speaking on December 9, the ousted prime minister accused Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, of masterminding the protests that led to her downfall.
“Yunus himself said that the student protest that started on July 7, 2024, was not student-initiated but a meticulously designed protest to overthrow me,” Hasina claimed. She argued that despite meeting all protestor demands, the demonstrations persisted, suggesting a “well-planned conspiracy.”
India’s Response
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has acknowledged receiving the extradition request but has maintained a cautious stance.
“We confirm that we have received a Note Verbale from the Bangladesh High Commission today in connection with an extradition request. At this time, we have no comment to offer on this matter,” an MEA spokesperson stated.
Background
The political crisis in Bangladesh erupted in July 2024 when student-led protests began demanding political reforms. The movement gained momentum throughout the summer, eventually forcing Sheikh Hasina’s government to step down in August, leading to her subsequent flight to India.
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