India Says ‘No Comment’ on Bangladesh’s Hasina Extradition Request

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. India said ‘no comment’ on Bangladesh’s request for Sheikh Hasina’s extradition.
2. Sheikh Hasina took refuge in India in August.
3. Bangladesh’s interim government requested Hasina’s extradition.
4. Hasina faces charges of crimes against humanity.
5. An extradition treaty exists between India and Bangladesh.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

India Says ‘No Comment’ on Bangladesh’s Hasina Extradition Request

India on Monday confirmed receiving an official request from the interim Bangladesh government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, seeking the extradition of deposed prime minister and Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina to Dhaka.

MEA’s Response

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal disclosed the development, stating, “We confirm that we have received a note verbale from the Bangladesh High Commission today in connection with an extradition request. Currently, we have no comment to offer on this matter.” A note verbale is a formal diplomatic communication written in the third person and unsigned.

Bangladesh’s Request

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh’s de facto Foreign Minister Touhid Hossain said his office in Dhaka sent a diplomatic note to India’s Foreign Ministry for Hasina’s extradition. “We have sent a note verbale to the Indian government saying that Bangladesh wants her back here for the judicial process,” Hossain told reporters in Dhaka.

Case Against Sheikh Hasina

Sheikh Hasina, 77, fled to New Delhi from Bangladesh on August 5 following massive protests that toppled her 16-year regime. She currently faces numerous court cases, including charges of crimes against humanity. Hasina and her close aides are already facing arrest warrants from the Dhaka-based International Crimes Tribunal, and the Yunus government has sought help from Interpol for her arrest.

Extradition Process

Bangladesh Home Adviser Jahangir Alam stated that his office sent a letter to the foreign ministry to facilitate the ousted premier’s extradition from India. “We have sent a letter to the foreign ministry regarding her extradition. The process is currently underway,” he told reporters. Alam noted that an extradition treaty exists between Dhaka and New Delhi, under which Hasina could be brought back to Bangladesh.

Key Takeaways to Remember

1. India said ‘no comment’ on Bangladesh’s request for Sheikh Hasina’s extradition.
2. Hasina faces charges of crimes against humanity.
3. Bangladesh sought Interpol’s help for Hasina’s arrest.
4. Hasina can be extradited under the existing treaty between India and Bangladesh.
5. The extradition process between India and Bangladesh is ongoing.

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