DHAKA, Bangladesh: Bangladesh’s war crimes tribunal plans to seek the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India, accusing her of orchestrating “massacres” during her tenure.
Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) announced the move, stating that legal procedures would commence to bring Hasina back.
The ICT, established by Hasina herself in 2010 to investigate atrocities committed during the 1971 independence war from Pakistan, now targets her for alleged human rights abuses, including mass detentions and extrajudicial killings of political opponents.
After weeks of student-led demonstrations evolved into mass protests, Hasina resigned and fled Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, ending her 15-year rule.
Although Bangladesh and India have a criminal extradition treaty signed in 2013, a clause allows for refusal if the offense is deemed “political.”
Meanwhile, Dhaka has revoked Hasina’s diplomatic passport, escalating tensions. Interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who took power following Hasina’s departure, has warned India to keep Hasina “quiet” until her extradition.
Bangladesh has faced mounting public pressure to ensure Hasina’s extradition and trial, particularly after a preliminary UN report estimated over 600 deaths in the protests leading to her ouster. An investigation into enforced disappearances during her rule is also underway.
