A major diplomatic confrontation is brewing between Dhaka and New Delhi following a death sentence for former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh’s foreign ministry has formally demanded that India hand over the “fugitive accused,” citing a bilateral extradition treaty and warning that providing her refuge is a “disregard for justice.”
What is the Basis of Bangladesh’s Demand?
The demand was made in an official letter from the Bangladesh foreign ministry to India. The statement explicitly references an existing extradition agreement between the two neighboring nations, framing Hasina’s return as an “obligatory responsibility” for New Delhi.The letter delivered a firm diplomatic warning, saying that any nation giving shelter to people convicted of “crimes against humanity” would be committing a “highly unfriendly act.” This language elevates the situation from a legal request to a significant test of bilateral relations.
Why Was Sheikh Hasina Sentenced to Death?
The request comes after Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) ruled that Sheikh Hasina and former interior minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal were guilty on several charges. These charges stem from a crackdown on student protests in July last year that eventually brought down her government. The tribunal convicted Hasina on three specific counts: incitement, ordering killings, and failing to prevent atrocities during the deadly unrest. The sentencing occurs just months before Bangladesh is expected to hold its first national election since her removal from power.
Where is Sheikh Hasina and How Has She Responded?
Since her ouster in August last year, Sheikh Hasina has been living in self-exile in India. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, has confirmed she is at a secret safe house in Delhi under full Indian security protection. Hasina has defiantly rejected the tribunal’s verdict, denouncing it as the work of a “rigged tribunal established and presided over by an unelected government with no democratic mandate.” In a strongly-worded statement, she labeled the charges “biased and politically motivated,” accusing the interim government of a “brazen and murderous intent” to eliminate her and her political party, the Awami League.
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What Happens Next in This Diplomatic Standoff?
India is caught in a difficult bind. Approving the extradition would involve returning a former friendly leader to possible execution, with major political risks. But denying it could damage relations with Bangladesh, which presents the request as a matter of justice. India has not spoken publicly yet, leaving many unsure of what it will do.
