Bangladesh has officially requested India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been sentenced to death by a Dhaka court. The Ministry of External Affairs in Dhaka cited the existing extradition treaty between the two neighboring nations, asserting India’s “binding duty” to return the “fugitive accused.” The ministry’s letter highlighted that harboring individuals sentenced for crimes against humanity would be viewed as an “extremely unfriendly act and an affront to justice.”
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) recently handed down the death penalty to Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal for crimes against humanity. The verdict stems from the July-August 2024 unrest, with the court finding Hasina responsible for ordering a crackdown on a student-led uprising. The tribunal also ordered the confiscation of all her Bangladeshi property. Former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun received a five-year prison sentence for his role.
In her first reaction, Sheikh Hasina denounced the verdict, calling it a result of “murderous intent” by extremist elements within the interim government. She characterized the tribunal as “rigged” and “politically motivated,” aimed at eliminating her and the Awami League. Hasina defended her government’s human rights record, pointing to initiatives like joining the International Criminal Court, providing refuge to Rohingya refugees, and significant economic growth during her tenure. She contrasted these achievements with those of her political opponents.