India Considers Bangladesh's Extradition Request for Former PM Sheikh Hasina, Sentenced to Death in Absentia

India Reviews Extradition Request for Ex-PM Sheikh Hasina After Death Sentence in Bangladesh

New Delhi is currently assessing a formal request from Dhaka concerning the extradition of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina. The 78-year-old political figure, who sought refuge in India following her ouster amidst a significant popular uprising in August of last year, was recently handed a death sentence in absentia.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, confirmed on Wednesday that the government is "examining" Bangladesh's appeal. Jaiswal emphasized India’s dedication to upholding peace, democracy, inclusion, and stability for the people of Bangladesh, pledging continued constructive engagement with all involved parties.

Bangladesh's Firm Stance on Extradition

This renewed extradition plea from Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs comes after Sheikh Hasina’s conviction by a special International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Dhaka on November 17. The tribunal found her guilty of crimes against humanity, leading to the death penalty. Bangladesh asserts that India bears an "obligatory responsibility" under a bilateral extradition treaty established in 2013 to surrender its former leader. Dhaka's statement branded India's potential refusal to extradite Hasina as a "grave act of unfriendly behaviour" and a "travesty of justice" should it grant asylum to an individual convicted of such severe offenses.

India's Likely Position and Background

Despite Dhaka's strong stance, political analysts believe India is highly unlikely to comply with the request. Sanjay Bhardwaj, a professor of South Asian Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, noted that India perceives Hasina's case as an instance of "political vindictiveness" orchestrated by the current Bangladeshi political establishment.

Hasina, who governed Bangladesh for 15 years, fled during the peak of widespread protests against her hardline administration. The United Nations reported over 1,400 fatalities during the government's harsh crackdown on these demonstrators. Bangladesh is slated to conduct its first general election since the uprising in February, with Sheikh Hasina’s party, the Awami League, prohibited from participating.