Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain mentioned today that Bangladesh is awaiting a response from India regarding its recent plea for the extradition of convicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hossain stated that although he does not anticipate an immediate reply, he is hopeful that a response will be provided in due course. The formal extradition request was submitted to New Delhi through the Bangladesh High Commission following the ruling by the International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1).
Emphasizing that Bangladesh is not discounting the possibility of a reply from India, Hossain indicated that a reply within a week is not expected. The latest official diplomatic communication, known as a note verbale, was transmitted to India’s Ministry of External Affairs via the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi.
On November 17, Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal were sentenced to death by the ICT-1 for their involvement in crimes against humanity during the mass uprising in July–August last year. Additionally, former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who provided testimony as a state witness, received a five-year prison term.
Following the recent verdict, the foreign affairs adviser announced that Dhaka would formally request the extradition of the convicted individuals. In response to inquiries today, Hossain reiterated that Bangladesh had previously sought Hasina’s return from India without success. He highlighted that the current circumstances have changed, with the completion of the judicial process and the issuance of convictions.
The adviser affirmed that Bangladesh’s extradition request falls under the framework of the existing treaty between the two neighboring nations.