Bangladesh Sends Official Letter Seeking Sheikh Hasina’s Handover- What Will India Do Now?

Dhaka/New Delhi: The interim government of Bangladesh has made a formal demand to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India. On 17 November, the International Criminal Tribunal (ICT) of Dhaka sentenced Hasina to death for crimes against humanity. Only three days later, Bangladesh sent a letter to India. Foreign Affairs Advisor Tauheed Hussain said the letter was sent on November 21. A request has been made in this regard for the third time. When a note verbale was sent in December last year, India just said "noted." 

What decision did the Bangladesh court give?

The ICT held Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal responsible for 1,400 deaths in the July–August 2024 student movement. Judges said Hasina ordered the torture and killings. Hasina has called it "biased and politically motivated" in the statement. Hasina was accused of not getting a fair chance. ICT Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam said that in the new hearing, Hasina's lawyer, Z.I. Mine, will be empanelled.

What is India's stance on extradition?

India said in the MEA statement that it has taken notice of the decision. India is committed to peace, democracy, and stability in the interests of the people of Bangladesh. On the other hand, India has maintained silence on extradition. India did not respond to previous requests. Questions were raised on the fairness of the trial. Experts agree that extradition is necessary under the treaty, but political crimes may be exempted. Now it has to be seen whether Hasina will be kept safe in India.

What is Bangladesh's argument?

Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry said that India should be handed over immediately under the treaty. The judicial process should not be obstructed. Hussain said that Hasina's role has been proved in the crackdown. Haseena has been in India since August 2024. The Yunus government sent the first note in December 2024. Will this demand create a rift in India-Bangladesh relations?

Political crisis: Protest, Hasina's supporters on the streets

Protest has started in Dhaka after the decision. The remains of the house of Hasina's father, Sheikh Mujib, were attacked. Police used stun grenades. 15,000 security forces had to be deployed, and a situation of tension was created in many cities. Now will the decision of the Yunus government bring stability?