New Delhi: India on Wednesday confirmed that it has received Bangladesh’s request for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which is currently being examined under ongoing judicial and internal legal processes.
Speaking at a weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised India’s commitment to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including peace, democracy, stability, and inclusion.
“Yes, we have received the request, and it is being examined as part of ongoing judicial and internal legal processes. We remain committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including peace, democracy, inclusion, and stability, and will continue to engage constructively with all stakeholders,” Jaiswal said.
The extradition request follows the judgment of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), which on November 17 pronounced a death sentence on Sheikh Hasina for crimes against humanity related to the July 2024 demonstrations. Two of Hasina’s top aides were also convicted: former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal was sentenced to death, while former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who turned state witness, received five years’ imprisonment.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain had recently confirmed the diplomatic communication with India but did not provide further details, according to the United News of Bangladesh (UNB).
India had previously noted the ICT verdict and reiterated its commitment to the welfare of Bangladesh’s citizens, highlighting peace, democracy, inclusion, and stability in the neighbouring country. The MEA had issued a statement on November 17 affirming that India will continue to engage constructively with all stakeholders.
Following the controversial verdict, Sheikh Hasina described the tribunal as “rigged” and politically motivated, claiming it was set up by the unelected interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, which she said lacks a democratic mandate. In a statement, she said:
“In their distasteful call for the death penalty, they reveal the brazen and murderous intent of extremist figures within the interim government to remove Bangladesh’s last elected Prime Minister and to nullify the Awami League as a political force. Millions of Bangladeshis toiling under the chaotic, violent, and socially regressive administration of Dr Mohammad Yunus will not be fooled by this attempt to short-change them of their democratic rights.”
Hasina further alleged that the ICT trials were never meant to deliver justice or provide insight into the events of July and August 2025, but rather aimed to scapegoat the Awami League and divert attention from the failures of Dr Yunus and his ministers.
With IANS inputs