DHAKA: Bangladesh’s foreign affairs advisor, Mohammed Touhid Hossain, has said that the country might seek the extradition of the ousted ex-prime minister Sheikh Hasina from India, a move that could create an embarrassing situation for the Indian government and increase diplomatic tensions between the two neighboring nations.
In an exclusive interview with Reuters TV, Hossain revealed that Bangladesh’s interim government is considering an extradition request for Hasina, who arrived in India on August 5 amid political unrest in Bangladesh. The unrest, which involved a violent student uprising against Hasina’s administration, has resulted in numerous legal cases against her in Bangladesh.
“Since there are so many cases against Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh, it is conceivable that our Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Law could formally request her extradition,” Hossain said. He noted that such a request could lead to a “diplomatic embarrassment” for the Indian government. “Her staying in Delhi, in India, raises questions. If there is a request from Bangladesh, it will create an awkward situation for the Indian government. I believe the Indian authorities are aware of this and will address it appropriately.”
Hasina’s visit to India comes at a time of heightened political turmoil in Bangladesh. The Dhaka Tribune reported that a complaint has been filed against Hasina and 24 others with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, alleging violations of human rights. The complaint adds to the growing list of legal challenges facing Hasina, who has been a central figure in Bangladesh’s political landscape for decades.
Hossain also mentioned that Mohammad Yunus, a Nobel Laureate and leader of Bangladesh’s interim government, is reportedly “very unhappy” with the current situation and the statements emanating from India concerning Hasina. Yunus’s dissatisfaction underscores the strained nature of the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India, which have been strained by recent events.
