Dhaka, Bangladesh – The Bangladeshi government formally requested India to extradite former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former interior minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on 17/11. This demand followed a Bangladeshi court's decision on the same day to sentence both individuals to death by hanging in absentia for crimes against humanity. Hasina has been living in exile in India since August 2024. While Kamal's current whereabouts are unknown, Bangladesh stated that he is also believed to be in India.

"We call on the Indian government to immediately extradite these two convicted individuals to the Bangladeshi authorities," the Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry stated, adding that extradition is an "obligatory responsibility for India." The Bangladeshi government also warned that granting asylum to these individuals would be a highly unfriendly act and an insult to justice.

Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in 1/2024. Photo: Reuters

India's Foreign Ministry responded, acknowledging Bangladesh's verdict against Hasina, but did not directly address the possibility of her extradition. "India remains committed to the best interests of the Bangladeshi people, including peace, democracy, inclusion, and stability," the Indian Foreign Ministry stated.

The legal proceedings stem from widespread protests that erupted in Bangladesh in 7/2024, protesting a civil service quota policy imposed by Hasina's administration. Demonstrators called for Hasina, who had recently been re-elected for her fifth term, to resign.

The protests quickly escalated into riots after Hasina ordered police to use live ammunition, resulting in at least 300 deaths. The 4/8/2024 marked the deadliest day, with Bangladeshi officials recording 94 deaths as security forces clashed with students and youth. One day later, Hasina announced her resignation and left the country by helicopter.

Ngoc Anh (According to AFP)