Bangladesh seeks extradition of ousted PM Sheikh Hasina from India

Bangladesh’s interim government has formally requested India to extradite Sheikh Hasina, the ousted prime minister, who has been living in exile in India since August 5. The diplomatic move aims to bring her back to face charges for alleged crimes against humanity and genocide.

The 77-year-old former leader fled Bangladesh following student-led protests that resulted in the end of her 16-year regime. Since her departure, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has issued arrest warrants against Hasina, alongside several former Cabinet ministers, advisers, and military and civil officials.

The interim government confirmed that it had sent a diplomatic note to New Delhi, outlining its request for her extradition to face judicial proceedings. Officials emphasised that an existing extradition treaty between the two countries provides a framework for returning Hasina to Bangladesh.

This development comes amid rising domestic pressure to address the unrest and alleged human rights violations during Hasina's tenure. The interim administration, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, has highlighted the need to deliver justice for the victims of the protests that led to Hasina’s ouster. Government estimates indicate that over 1,500 people were killed and nearly 20,000 injured during the demonstrations.

The Yunus-led government, which assumed office in August, has made Hasina’s extradition a priority in its efforts to demonstrate accountability for past governance failures. Officials have suggested that they will strongly oppose any reluctance by India to fulfil the extradition request under the treaty.

The former prime minister has remained politically active while in India, making allegations against the interim government regarding its handling of minorities and overall governance. Her statements have been criticised in Dhaka as detrimental to bilateral relations.