Bangladesh asks India to return exiled leader Sheikh Hasina for legal proceedings

Bangladesh's interim government has formally requested that India return former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been in exile in New Delhi, to face legal proceedings in connection with alleged crimes during her ousting in 2023.

The diplomatic request, delivered in a note to the Indian government, is expected to strain relations between the two countries, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

In October, a Bangladeshi tribunal issued arrest warrants for Sheikh Hasina and over 40 others, accusing her of orchestrating massacres and committing "crimes against humanity" during a violent student-led protest that led to her removal. The protests, which saw hundreds killed, culminated in Hasina fleeing to India. She has denied the charges and dismissed them as politically motivated.

The request to India for Hasina’s extradition comes just weeks after a visit by India's Foreign Secretary to Dhaka, aimed at improving ties between the two neighbouring countries. Relations between the countries have been historically complex, with India having long supported the Awami League, the party led by Hasina. However, tensions have been rising in recent years over a range of issues, including political instability in Bangladesh and concerns over minority rights.

An official from India’s foreign ministry confirmed receiving the diplomatic note from the Bangladesh High Commission but declined further comment. Hasina, who has not appeared publicly since leaving Bangladesh, issued a broadcast address earlier this month accusing the interim government of being behind the violence that led to her removal. She specifically accused Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s interim leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, of masterminding the events that ousted her.

The Bangladeshi tribunal’s allegations against Hasina focus on the violent crackdown on protesters during her tenure, though critics have also accused the Awami League government of extrajudicial killings, election manipulation, and a heavy-handed approach to opposition groups. Sheikh Hasina has denied any wrongdoing, calling the charges against her "false propaganda" aimed at discrediting her and her party.

Bangladesh's interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, has repeatedly stated that his government would not seek Hasina’s extradition until the tribunal completes its investigation, which has been extended until February 2025. However, Yunus recently signalled that he would pursue her return after the arrest of several former officials linked to Hasina’s administration.

In addition to the political charges, Hasina and her family are facing a separate investigation into allegations of embezzling $5 billion, a case that has drawn attention in both Bangladesh and the UK. Hasina’s niece, Tulip Siddiq, a UK Treasury minister, has also been implicated, though she has denied any involvement.