Dhaka signals it is ready to push Delhi to extradite ex-PM Hasina

An official says the political leadership will decide when the time is right to send a reminder

The interim government has submitted "all the necessary documents" alongside a letter to India to bring back deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina under an extradition treaty, according to a statement from foreign ministry spokesperson Rafiqul Alam.

Alam emphasised that India would be reminded of the letter if the government decides to pursue the matter further.

In a briefing on Thursday, the foreign ministry spokesperson said: "The necessary documents and information, as outlined in the extradition agreement, have been forwarded to the Indian government to facilitate the return of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina."

When asked about the specific contents of the documents, he added: "A set of documents has been included in the diplomatic letter. Those who sent it are in the best position to provide details on its contents."

"But from what I observed, a substantial number of documents accompanied the letter. Therefore, we can assume that all the necessary documents have been included. The complete package has been sent," the spokesperson remarked.

Hasina has been residing in India since Aug 5, 2024 when she fled the country amid widespread mass protests. While several senior leaders from her party have been detained, the majority remain in hiding.

In the meantime, the interim government has moved to prosecute Hasina and others at the International Crimes Tribunal, labelling the Awami League government's suppression of the student-public movement as "genocide”.

Warrants have also been issued for Hasina's arrest in several cases.

On Dec 23, 2024, the interim government sent a "diplomatic letter" to the Indian government, formally requesting her return to the country under the provisions of the extradition treaty.

At the time, reports from Indian media indicated that the Indian government was not in a position to send Hasina back. These reports also suggested that Delhi could take several months to respond to Dhaka's letter.

Nearly three months later, the foreign ministry of Bangladesh has stated that Dhaka will continue to await a response. A formal "reminder" will be sent if the government opts for a "political and diplomatic" course of action.

When asked whether the decision is diplomatic or political, Alam replied: "Both. As the chief advisor mentioned, a reminder will be sent. The political leadership will decide when the time is right to send it."

In response to a follow-up question, he said: "We will continue to await a response. As you are aware, we have not received any reply thus far, but we remain hopeful for a response."

A journalist inquired whether the United Nations report, which implicated Hasina in alleged "crimes against humanity" during the July-August period, would contribute to pressure for her extradition.

In response, Alam said: "The portions of the report that have been made public are enough to shake the conscience of any individual. Therefore, I would say that the answer to your question is embedded in my statement."

When asked if the United Nations report would be shared with India, the spokesperson responded: "Why would a report concerning our country be shared with India?"

Since Hasina's departure from the country, tensions have emerged between Bangladesh and India. In addition to issuing conflicting statements on various issues, both Dhaka and Delhi have summoned each other's diplomats.

Amid the rising tensions, Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain met with Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September. Additionally, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Dhaka in December.

Touhid is set to depart Dubai for Muscat, Oman, on Friday to attend the Indian Ocean Conference. He is scheduled to meet with Jaishankar once again on the sidelines of the conference.

When asked about the potential discussions, Alam said: "There is a possibility of discussions with the Indian foreign minister. That is all we know at this moment. We hope that it will take place."