Bangladesh Foreign Minister Reiterates Extradition Demand for Sheikh Hasina During New Delhi Visit

In a significant diplomatic move, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has reaffirmed his country’s longstanding request for the extradition of Sheikh Hasina, the ousted Prime Minister of Bangladesh, during his recent visit to New Delhi. This statement marks an important point in the evolving political landscape between India and Bangladesh, especially following a series of political upheavals in Dhaka.

Sheikh Hasina, who was the leader of the Awami League and had been in power for an impressive 16 years, fled to India in August 2024 amidst intense protests led by students against her government. The political turmoil resulted in her government being replaced by an interim administration led by Nobel laureate economist Muhammad Yunus. The extradition request, originally made by the caretaker government under the India-Bangladesh extradition treaty, has resurfaced as a topic of discussion under the current administration.

Rahman’s visit to India was notable as it was the first high-level bilateral engagement since the Hasina government was ousted. During his interactions in New Delhi, he met with prominent Indian officials including National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The discussions centered around enhancing bilateral relations and addressing mutual concerns.

Jaishankar emphasized India’s commitment to engage constructively with the new Bangladeshi government, highlighting the importance of strong diplomatic ties between the two nations. This comes at a time when Bangladesh has transitioned to a government led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, with Tarique Rahman assuming the role of Prime Minister after recent parliamentary elections.

Rahman’s subsequent travel to Mauritius for the 9th Indian Ocean Conference underscores the importance of regional collaboration, as both nations seek to navigate their diplomatic relations post-Hasina. The continuing calls for her extradition reflect ongoing tensions and the complexities inherent in Bangladesh’s political landscape, revealing the necessity for careful diplomatic negotiation moving forward.

Source: scroll.in