16 August 2024: Bangladesh’s de-facto Foreign Minister, Mohammad Touhid Hossain, announced on Thursday that the government is weighing the possibility of extraditing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India. Hasina fled to India earlier this month amidst escalating violence and protests against her administration, stated the Hindustan Times.
In an interview with Reuters, Hossain refrained from speculating on the outcome but noted that Hasina is facing multiple legal cases in Bangladesh. He emphasized that the final decision regarding her extradition would rest with the country’s home and law ministers.
Hossain acknowledged the diplomatic sensitivity of the situation, stating, “That creates an embarrassing situation for the Indian government,” as Hasina remains in New Delhi while considering her options for seeking political asylum.
However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not issued any statements regarding the matter.
Sheikh Hasina, along with several members of her Awami League party, has been implicated in two murder cases in Bangladesh. She fled the country on August 5 after nationwide protests against her government led to the deaths of over 300 people.
Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has since opened a third case, accusing Hasina and others of murder, torture, and genocide during the unrest. Following her departure, protestors targeted Awami League leaders, resulting in attacks and deaths, according to local reports.
Hasina, in her only statement since her ouster, has called for an investigation into the violence during the protests. However, she has remained silent on the charges against her. Meanwhile, her son, Sajeeb Wazed, has indicated that Hasina does not intend to return to politics in Bangladesh and left the country following her family’s persistent requests.
The situation continues to unfold as Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, considers its next steps in addressing this complex and sensitive diplomatic issue.
