Bangladesh Requests India to Return Sheikh Hasina to Dhaka.
The diplomatic outreach aimed at facilitating Sheikh Hasina's return follows the recent visit of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Bangladesh.
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New Delhi:
The interim administration in Bangladesh has dispatched a diplomatic communication, requesting India to return the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Dhaka. The 77-year-old leader of the Awami League has been residing in India since August 5, when she fled the country in the wake of widespread protests that led to the collapse of her 16-year tenure.
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) based in Dhaka has issued arrest warrants for Sheikh Hasina, along with her ministers, advisors, and former military and civil officials, alleging their involvement in "crimes against humanity and genocide."
Touhid Hossain, the foreign affairs advisor to the interim government, informed the press, "We have sent a note verbale to the Indian government indicating that Bangladesh seeks her return for the judicial proceedings."
Previously, Home Advisor Jahangir Alam stated that his office has communicated with the External Affairs Ministry to facilitate Ms. Hasina's extradition. "We have sent a letter to the foreign ministry concerning her extradition. The process is currently in progress," he conveyed to the media.
Mr. Alam stated that an extradition treaty is in place between Dhaka and New Delhi, which could facilitate Sheikh Hasina's return to Bangladesh under this agreement.
The diplomatic efforts to secure Sheikh Hasina's return follow a recent visit by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Bangladesh, where he engaged in discussions with Chief Advisor and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. During a press conference in Dhaka, Mr. Misri characterized the dialogue as frank, candid, and constructive, addressing a wide range of topics pertinent to the "extremely important bilateral relationship." He also noted that India had raised concerns regarding attacks on minority communities, including Hindus, with Bangladeshi leaders.
The diplomatic efforts to secure Sheikh Hasina's return follow a recent visit by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Bangladesh, where he engaged in discussions with Chief Advisor and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. During a press conference in Dhaka, Mr. Misri characterized the dialogue as frank, candid, and constructive, addressing a wide range of topics pertinent to the "extremely important bilateral relationship." He also noted that India had raised concerns regarding attacks on minority communities, including Hindus, with Bangladeshi leaders.
A statement from the Chief Advisor's office indicated that Sheikh Hasina's presence in India was a topic of discussion. The Chief Advisor remarked, "Our citizens are worried because she is making numerous statements from there, which creates tensions."
Prior to the Foreign Secretary's visit, Ms. Hasina criticized the interim government and accused Muhammad Yunus of operating a "fascist regime." In a virtual address to Awami League supporters in London, she claimed that Yunus was the "mastermind" behind the political unrest that led to the end of her administration.
She expressed her concerns, stating, "Since August 5, there has been a surge in attacks on minorities and places of worship for Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists. We condemn these actions. The Jamaat and terrorists are operating freely under the new regime." She further asserted, "Bangladesh is now under the control of a fascist regime that has obliterated the democratic rights of the people. The achievements of our government in poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, and the strengthening of democracy are being reversed under Yunus's leadership."
