Bangladesh says it has requested Hasina’s extradition from India, with law minister calling her a “convicted criminal”
Bangladesh has formally sought the extradition of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina from India, with law minister Md Asaduzzaman on Sunday describing her as a “convicted criminal” and saying Dhaka would pursue her return through legal channels.
On August 5, Hasina said during an audio-only virtual press conference organised in New Delhi that she intended to return to Bangladesh in December, despite the possibility of being imprisoned or killed. India has previously confirmed receiving Bangladesh’s extradition requests for Hasina but is yet to announce a decision.
Speaking to reporters after inaugurating a training workshop in Dhaka, Asaduzzaman said the government was taking all necessary legal steps to bring Hasina back and would follow due process. To us, this is her identity,” he said, according to bdnews24. The minister said the extradition matter falls under the jurisdiction of the home affairs ministry and would be handled in accordance with the treaty between India and Bangladesh. We have made requests to them under the extradition treaty,” he added, according to bdnews24. The ministry of external affairs has said the requests are being examined through established processes. The interaction prompted a strong response from Dhaka, with its foreign ministry saying it was “outraged” that Hasina had been allowed to engage with the media.
“To me, she is a criminal. A criminal convicted by our tribunal. “That is a matter for the Indian government.