Bangladesh seeks return of former PM Sheikh Hasina, sends diplomatic note to India

n a significant diplomatic move, Bangladesh’s interim government has formally requested the return of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India to face charges of crimes against humanity and genocide. The diplomatic note, referred to as a note verbale, was sent to India on Monday, marking a crucial step in the ongoing legal proceedings against the former leader.

Touhid Hossain, Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser acting as the de facto foreign minister, confirmed the communication with India. "We have sent a note verbale to the Indian government requesting Sheikh Hasina's return for judicial processes," Hossain told reporters, as per PTI.

This request comes after Bangladesh's Home Affairs Adviser, Jahangir Alam, stated that his office had formally approached the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to expedite Hasina's extradition. Alam mentioned, "We have submitted a letter to the foreign ministry regarding her extradition, and the process is currently underway."

Notably, Bangladesh and India have an existing extradition treaty that could facilitate Hasina's return to Bangladesh.

The Dhaka-based International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has issued arrest warrants for Hasina and several of her former Cabinet ministers, advisers, and military and civil officials, accusing them of crimes against humanity and genocide.

Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Extradition

The call for Hasina's extradition follows comments made in November by Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who declared the interim government's intention to seek her return. In a national address marking 100 days in office, Yunus emphasized the administration's commitment to justice for all citizens, including addressing past atrocities. "We must ensure justice for every killing... We will also ask India to send back the deposed autocrat Sheikh Hasina," Yunus was quoted by the state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) news agency.

Yunus' statement represents a shift from his earlier stance where he suggested that the government might not immediately pursue Hasina's return. Yunus took office on August 8, following Hasina's resignation amid widespread protests.

Hasina, 77, has been living in exile in India since August 5, after student-led protests against her government led to her ousting. These protests, which were sparked by a controversial government job quota system, reportedly resulted in numerous casualties. Yunus has claimed that around 1,500 people, including students and workers, were killed, and nearly 20,000 others were injured during the July-August unrest. Following her departure, Hasina landed at Hindon airbase near Delhi and has since been in an undisclosed location.

The interim government has accused Hasina and her party of orchestrating a violent crackdown on the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement, resulting in many deaths and injuries among the demonstrators. Investigations into these events, including alleged violence against religious minorities, are still ongoing.