Dhaka, December 23, 2024: Bangladesh’s interim government confirmed on Monday that it has formally requested the return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in exile in India since August 5, 2024. The 77-year-old leader fled the country amid student-led protests that led to the fall of her 16-year-long regime.
The Bangladesh government has sent a diplomatic note to India, seeking Hasina’s extradition. The Dhaka-based International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has issued arrest warrants for Hasina and several former Cabinet ministers, advisers, and other officials, accusing them of “crimes against humanity and genocide.”
Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain confirmed that a note verbale was sent to India requesting Hasina’s return for the judicial process in Bangladesh. In addition, Home Adviser Jahangir Alam announced that his office had sent a letter to the foreign ministry to facilitate the process of Hasina’s extradition. Alam further stated that an existing extradition treaty between Bangladesh and India would allow for Hasina’s return to face the charges in Bangladesh.
