India Examining Bangladesh's Extradition Request for Former PM Sheikh Hasina: Diplomatic Update

India has confirmed receipt of Bangladesh's extradition request for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and is currently examining it as part of their judicial and internal legal procedures.

On Wednesday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the matter during a weekly media briefing, stating that India remains dedicated to supporting the people of Bangladesh's interests, including peace, democracy, stability, and inclusion.

When questioned during the briefing, Jaiswal explained, "Yes, we have received the request, and this request is being examined as part of ongoing judicial and internal legal processes. We remain committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including peace, democracy, inclusion, and stability in that country, and will continue to engage constructively in this regard with all stakeholders."

Bangladesh initially made this request in December and renewed it recently after Hasina received a death sentence. Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal found her guilty of crimes against humanity related to July 2024 demonstrations.

The tribunal also convicted two of Hasina's associates—former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal received a death sentence, while former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who became a state witness, was sentenced to five years' imprisonment.

Following the verdict, Hasina criticized the tribunal as "rigged," claiming it was controlled by an unelected interim government lacking democratic legitimacy.

In her statement, Sheikh Hasina declared, "In their distasteful call for the death penalty, they reveal the brazen and murderous intent of extremist figures within the interim government to remove Bangladesh's last elected Prime Minister and to nullify the Awami League as a political force. Millions of Bangladeshis toiling under the chaotic, violent, and socially regressive administration of Dr Mohammad Yunus will not be fooled by this attempt to short-change them of their democratic rights."

"They can see that the trials conducted by the so-called International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) were never intended to achieve justice or provide any genuine insight into the events of July and August 2025. Rather, their purpose was to scapegoat the Awami League and to distract the world's attention from the failings of Dr Yunus and his ministers," she added.

Bangladesh stated on Wednesday that India had not responded to its previous extradition request for Hasina but now expects a response as the "situation is different now."

Foreign Affairs Adviser M Touhid Hossain said, "I do not expect that they (India) will answer within a week of Dhaka's request, but we expect we will get an answer."

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul mentioned that Bangladesh's interim government is considering approaching the International Criminal Court in The Hague to secure the return of "fugitive convicts."