MEA informs that India is yet to respond to the request
New Delhi – Bangladesh’s interim Government has formally requested the Union Government of India to extradite Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This information was shared by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, who also clarified that India has not yet provided any response. Sheikh Hasina has been residing in India since 5th August, following violent protests in Bangladesh that led to her departure from the country.
1. Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, Touhid Hussain, stated at his office in Dhaka that the country has sent an official letter to India’s Ministry of External Affairs requesting Hasina’s extradition.
2. The International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka has issued arrest warrants against Sheikh Hasina and several former central ministers, advisers, and military and civil officials for crimes against humanity and genocide.
3. Jahangir Alam, Home Affairs Adviser to Bangladesh, mentioned, “An extradition agreement already exists between Bangladesh and India, under which Sheikh Hasina can be returned to Bangladesh.”
India may refuse extradition
Under the provisions of the India-Bangladesh extradition treaty, extradition can be denied if the offence is deemed to be of a political nature. If Sheikh Hasina convinces Indian authorities that the charges against her are politically motivated, India could refuse her extradition. The treaty also stipulates that a person cannot be extradited unless they have been convicted of an offence, warranting a punishment of four months or more.
What is the 2013 India-Bangladesh extradition treaty ?
On 28th January 2013, India and Bangladesh signed an extradition treaty during the visit of India’s Home Minister to Dhaka. The treaty aims to enhance cooperation between law enforcement agencies of both nations and curb criminal activities. It contains 13 clauses detailing the conditions and procedures for extradition.