The Bangladesh government has officially requested the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India. Speaking to the media, Foreign Ministry Adviser Dr. Tauhid Hussain confirmed that a formal diplomatic note, known as a “note verbale,” has been sent to the Indian government, demanding Hasina’s return to face judicial proceedings in Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasina is accused of various charges, including genocide, crimes against humanity, and corruption. The charges stem from her actions during the July-August student protests, where her administration faced criticism for its use of excessive force. With over 150 cases pending against her, including cases at the International Crimes Tribunal, Hasina faces the possibility of severe penalties, including the death sentence.
Legal and Political Dimensions
India and Bangladesh signed an extradition treaty in 2013, later amended in 2016, which allows the exchange of undertrials. However, the treaty includes provisions that permit refusal if accusations are deemed politically motivated or not made in good faith. India has acknowledged receiving the extradition request but has refrained from commenting further.
India’s foreign secretary recently visited Dhaka and emphasized that Sheikh Hasina’s presence in India would not disrupt bilateral ties. However, Dhaka’s official request could strain relations further, especially given India’s concerns about Hasina’s treatment and the potential politicization of her trials. Experts suggest New Delhi might reject the request to avoid legitimizing charges that many believe are exaggerated or politically driven.
Strategic Implications for India-Bangladesh Relations
If India complies with the extradition request, Hasina’s return to Bangladesh would likely result in her imprisonment and political elimination. Her administration had previously maintained strong ties with India, and her removal has already created uncertainties in the bilateral relationship.
On the other hand, rejecting the request could provoke backlash from Dhaka, further complicating already tense relations. Border security remains a pressing concern for India. Recent incidents, including the capture of a Pakistani-trained terrorist near the Bangladesh border and the dismantling of a sleeper cell linked to the Ansar Bangla Team, underscore the challenges posed by extremist activities in the region. These developments highlight the fragile security dynamics along the India-Bangladesh border.
Domestic Turmoil in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is grappling with economic and social unrest. Inflation has soared to 14%, and unemployment among its youth is alarmingly high. The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics recently reported that nearly 2 million young people remain unemployed. This has fueled widespread discontent, with protests becoming increasingly common.
Meanwhile, Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar have become hubs for militant groups, exacerbating security challenges. The Arakan Army, a non-state actor based in Myanmar, has reportedly seized a 270-kilometer stretch of the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, accusing extremist groups in Bangladesh of targeting Buddhists and Hindus.
The Road Ahead
The extradition request for Sheikh Hasina marks a critical juncture in India-Bangladesh relations. As Dhaka struggles with political instability, economic hardship, and rising militancy, India must weigh its response carefully. The outcome will not only determine Sheikh Hasina’s fate but also shape the future trajectory of bilateral ties between the two neighbors.
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