Diplomatic Correspondent :
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that Bangladesh’s request for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, deposed following a mass uprising, is not linked to her current status in India.
“As a Bangladeshi citizen, we have requested India to return Sheikh Hasina. Her status in India is irrelevant to this request and not a matter of our concern,” said Ministry spokesperson Rafiqul Alam on Thursday.
He further stated that Dhaka would wait for India’s reply to the note verbale sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Hasina’s extradition.
When asked how long Bangladesh would wait for India’s response, Alam replied, “There is no definitive timeline. We have made our request and will wait for India’s response.”
Addressing the possibility of issuing a reminder, the spokesperson explained that diplomatic processes are complex and do not always yield straightforward answers.
He emphasized that the process is ongoing, and
Bangladesh remains patient for India’s reply.
Recently, the Department of Immigration and Passports canceled the passports of 97 individuals, including Sheikh Hasina, for their alleged involvement in forced disappearances and killings during the July and August uprisings.
When asked if India was informed about the cancellation of Hasina’s diplomatic passport, Alam responded, “Typically, when a passport is canceled, the information is communicated to all countries through Bangladesh’s missions. It is a standard procedure.”
Regarding whether India has been officially notified, he said, “I will need some time to provide specific details on that.”
In December last year, Bangladesh’s High Commission in Delhi sent a diplomatic letter to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, requesting Sheikh Hasina’s extradition under the existing treaty. However, India has yet to respond to the letter.
Since the letter was sent, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reiterated that Bangladesh will await India’s response before deciding on further actions.
Sheikh Hasina has been residing in India since fleeing there on August 5 last year. She faces multiple charges, including crimes against humanity, killings, forced disappearances, and incidents such as the BDR massacre, the Shapla Square killings, and the Hifazat-e-Islam rally.
In cases of forced disappearances, the International Criminal Tribunal has issued arrest warrants against Sheikh Hasina and ten others, ordering their arrest and appearance before the court by February 12.
