New Delhi: India confirmed on Monday that it had received a formal request from Bangladesh for the extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. However, the Indian government declined to comment on the matter.
“We confirm that we have received a note verbale from the Bangladesh High Commission today regarding an extradition request. At this moment, we have no comment on the issue,” said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
Earlier, Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain stated that Dhaka had sent a formal note to India, requesting Hasina’s return for judicial proceedings. Home Advisor Jahangir Alam also confirmed the communication with New Delhi on the issue.
Hasina has been in exile in India since her ousting after widespread anti-government protests in Bangladesh.
The prospect of sending Hasina back poses a dilemma for India, which has shown no intention to extradite the 77-year-old leader. Although India and Bangladesh have an extradition treaty, it allows for the refusal of requests if the offence is deemed political.
India and Bangladesh enjoyed strong ties during Hasina’s tenure, but New Delhi acknowledges that continuing to shelter her could complicate its relationship with Bangladesh’s interim government.
Relations have also been strained due to concerns over attacks on religious minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus, an issue India raised during Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s recent visit to Dhaka. However, Bangladesh has accused the Indian media of exaggerating the situation.
