Bangladesh Urges India to Facilitate Return of Ex-Prime Minister Facing Death Sentence
The pursuit of justice for victims of human rights abuses often crosses international borders. Bangladesh is now strongly appealing to India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was recently sentenced to death for crimes against humanity. Hasina fled to Delhi following the “July uprising” and her subsequent conviction.
Bangladesh’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaed Islam, highlighted the critical need for India’s “political goodwill, diplomatic goodwill, and all kinds of goodwill.” Speaking to journalists on Thursday, she confirmed that Dhaka has sent repeated communications and letters to the Indian government regarding Hasina’s return.
The former Prime Minister faces a death sentence in Bangladesh for her alleged role in crimes against humanity. Ms. Obaed stressed the importance of her return for the people of Bangladesh, for democracy, and for historical closure. She noted that families of victims, who suffered deaths and injuries, seek justice.
According to Ms. Obaed, once Sheikh Hasina returns to Bangladesh, she will be arrested immediately. There is no legal opportunity for surrender given the pronounced sentence. Bangladesh is currently communicating with India under the existing extradition treaty to secure her return.
Ms. Obaed also mentioned that other accused individuals, such as those involved in the Hadi murder case, are also in India. She clarified that despite these extradition efforts, Bangladesh believes the issue will not harm its broader relationship with India. She emphasized that bilateral relations are multi-dimensional and will continue. Evidence of ongoing cooperation includes the recent visit of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser to Delhi for a BIMSTEC meeting.
When asked about a possible visit by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India, Ms. Obaed stated that no new dates have been set for visits to any country. The Prime Minister remains focused on domestic affairs after completing successful visits to two other nations.
