Dhaka/New Delhi. Amid the election atmosphere in Bangladesh, a major political upheaval came on Wednesday when Dhaka claimed that India never responded to its old request on the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, but now the circumstances have completely changed and hence Bangladesh is waiting for India’s reply.
The interim government led by Mohammad Yunus has recently sent a formal letter to India demanding the extradition of 78-year-old Hasina. This demand has come at a time when Bangladesh’s International Criminal Tribunal on November 17 sentenced Hasina to death for ‘crimes against humanity’. This decision was given in her absence, and Hasina is currently present in India.
Dhaka claims: ‘Now the situation is completely different’
Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Advisor M. Tauheed Hossain said, “The request sent earlier was shelved, but now we hope that India will respond this time. The judicial process has been completed and Hasina has been convicted, so now the situation is not the same as before.” According to him, the latest request for extradition has been made under the India-Bangladesh Extradition Treaty and has been sent through the High Commission in New Delhi.
Cautionary but serious signal from India
On the other hand, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in New Delhi gave a clear response on this issue for the first time. He said, “This request is being considered under judicial and internal legal processes.” After this he also added that India will move forward keeping in mind the supreme interests of peace, democracy, inclusivity and stability in Bangladesh. This statement is being considered very important in diplomatic circles because India has indicated for the first time that it is not considering this matter as just a formality, but is investigating it closely.
Anxiety increased in Dhaka – will India give Hasina?
The Yunus government is already under deep doubt over this decision whether this entire matter is a part of political vendetta and power struggle. Calling it a ‘political conspiracy’, the Awami League is taking out protest marches across the country. According to sources, the discussion has gained momentum in the power corridors of Dhaka that if India goes ahead with the extradition process, then the political ground of Bangladesh can be completely shaken.
Difficult decision for India also
Diplomatic experts believe that this issue before India is not only legal but also related to geopolitical and strategic sensitivity. Hasina has been one of India’s most trusted partners for the last 15 years. In such a situation, the decision of extradition can affect India-Bangladesh relations, stability of South Asia and electoral tension. And the Bangladesh government says that it hopes that India will definitely respond this time regarding the extradition of Sheikh Hasina.
Now all eyes are on whether India will send former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Dhaka? Or will this request remain buried in diplomatic files? The next few days on this question may give a new direction to the politics of South Asia.
