Bangladesh’s Interim Leader Yunus Seeks Sheikh Hasina’s Extradition from India

GG News Bureau
Dhaka, 30th Nov. Bangladesh’s interim government leader, Mohammad Yunus, announced on Sunday that his administration would request India to extradite ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Following mass protests in August, Hasina was removed from power and has since been in exile. Addressing the nation on the completion of 100 days of his administration, Yunus declared that legal action would be taken against Hasina and others accused of responsibility for hundreds of deaths during student-led protests.

Yunus assumed leadership on August 8, three days after Hasina fled the country. He vowed to investigate not only the deaths during the protests but also alleged human rights violations, including forced disappearances under Hasina’s rule. Bangladesh has sought Interpol’s assistance to issue a Red Corner Notice against Hasina and her associates.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Yunus stated, “We will urge India to return dictator Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh. I have discussed this matter with Karim Khan, Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC).” Yunus’s administration is also working to bring the case against Hasina and her allies to the ICC.

Reports of attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus, have surfaced following Hasina’s ouster. While Yunus dismissed these as exaggerated, the Hindu community has raised concerns about increasing influence of radical Islamists. The international community, including India and the US, has condemned the violence, with reports of widespread atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh and India share an extradition treaty that allows the transfer of individuals accused or convicted of crimes in either country. However, past instances have seen both nations deny such requests due to political or strategic considerations. Hasina, known for her strong ties with India during her tenure, holds strategic importance for New Delhi. Her extradition poses challenges, as her safety in Bangladesh remains uncertain.

The extradition treaty operates on the principle of dual criminality, requiring the crime to be punishable in both countries. Article 7 of the treaty outlines the conditions under which requests for extradition are considered and processed by the respective authorities.