Bangladesh has officially sent a note verbale to India requesting the extradition of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, confirmed Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday. The diplomatic communication was delivered by the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi.
Speaking to reporters at the foreign ministry, the adviser said, “The formal letter was sent to the Indian foreign ministry through our mission in Delhi. There has been no reply as of yet, and we do not expect an immediate response.”
Touhid Hossain noted that Dhaka had not received a reply to its earlier extradition request either. “I don’t expect they will respond within a week of sending the second letter. But we do expect that India will reply this time,” he added.
Regarding the content of the latest letter, the adviser said it stated that Sheikh Hasina had been convicted after a full trial and should be returned to Bangladesh.
Airbus vs Boeing
German Ambassador Rüdiger Lotz said at a separate event on Wednesday that Bangladesh choosing Boeing over Airbus could have implications for trade relations with the European Union.
Responding to the remarks, Touhid Hossain said, “I don’t think Bangladesh’s overall relationship with the European Union will hinge on a commercial deal. Of course, the ambassador will try to promote products from his own country – that is his responsibility. He has done his duty, but ultimately what is best for us will be determined by our experts.”
No observers for Myanmar election
Bangladesh will not send election observers to Myanmar, the foreign adviser stated.
“The first question is: Why should we send observers?” Touhid Hossain said. “I don’t think we will gain anything from this election. You have seen Thailand’s reaction; they also believe there is no benefit. I don’t know how much importance ASEAN places on the Myanmar election. It is their internal affair, and they will conduct it as they see fit.”
