Advisor Mahfuj claims he hears India won’t return deposed PM Hasina

He urges a realistic approach, avoiding any impulsive moves in the matter

Advisor Mahfuj Alam has said he has learned of India’s “political decision” not to return ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina despite Bangladesh’s request.

“Our observation is that this is a political decision they have made. We are hearing that they will not send her back,” he told the journalists after a foreign policy dialogue at the foreign ministry on Sunday.

Mahfuj added, "However, from the state’s perspective, we must remain realistic. Rash actions are not an option.”

Awami League chief Hasina, who fled to India on Aug 5 in the face of a mass uprising, has been in India ever since.

Several senior leaders of her Awami League have been arrested, while others remain in hiding.

The Awami League government formed the International Crimes Tribunal in 2010 to try crimes against humanity cases during the 1971 Liberation War.

Now, the interim government is using the same tribunal to try allegations of “genocide” against the former Awami League regime for its efforts to suppress the student-led mass movement.

Many allegations of “genocide and crimes against humanity” between Jul 5 and Aug 5 have been submitted to the tribunal’s investigation agency and Prosecutor’s Office.

The tribunal has since issued a warrant for Hasina’s arrest in one case and warrants for the arrest of 45 people, including her family members and other Awami League leaders in another case.

On Dec 23, the government sent a diplomatic letter to India requesting Hasina’s extradition under the existing treaty.

While India confirmed receipt of the letter, no comment has been made on the matter.

Indian media reports suggest that the Indian government is unlikely to return Hasina.

Some reports also indicate that New Delhi may take months to respond to Dhaka’s request.