Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has clarified that deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s reported visa extension in India is unrelated to Dhaka’s extradition request. The government has requested India to return Hasina as a Bangladeshi citizen, emphasizing that her status in India is irrelevant to this request.
Sheikh Hasina, 77, has been living in India since August 5, 2024, after fleeing Bangladesh following a massive student-led protest that toppled her 16-year regime. Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has issued arrest warrants for Hasina and several former officials for “crimes against humanity and genocide”.
The interim government has revoked the passports of Hasina and 96 others over their alleged involvement in enforced disappearances and killings. Bangladesh officially sought Hasina’s repatriation last month to stand trial on charges of mass killings during the Anti-Discrimination Student’s Movement.
New Delhi has acknowledged receiving the extradition request but has not responded. Bangladesh’s foreign office spokesman, Rafiqul Alam, stated that Dhaka would wait for India’s response, adding that there is no specific timeline for India to respond to the extradition request.
The development comes amid strained ties between Bangladesh and India. Bangladesh has also accused India of being involved in enforced disappearances during Hasina’s regime. However, India has lodged a strong protest with Dhaka over comments made by a key aide to Bangladesh’s interim government, Mahfuj Alam.
