India is currently reviewing the extradition request for deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) mentioned on Friday.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi that the request is being “examined as part of ongoing judicial and internal legal processes.”
He noted that India intends to continue engaging constructively with all stakeholders on the matter while following all developments closely.
This development follows a formal reiteration of the request by Bangladesh on 8 April, seeking the extradition of both Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Both individuals have been awarded the death penalty by the International Crimes Tribunal.
Humayun Kabir, foreign affairs adviser to the prime minister of Bangladesh, recently told reporters in Dhaka that the government will pursue the extradition through a “transparent judicial process.”
While acknowledging potential challenges given Hasina’s presence in India, Kobir emphasised that the matter has been discussed and will be dealt with through legal channels.
The extradition issue was part of broader discussions during a recent visit to New Delhi by a Bangladeshi delegation, which included Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and Adviser Humayun Kabir.
The delegation held meetings with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri.
During these high-level talks, Jaishankar reiterated India’s desire to engage constructively with the new government to further strengthen bilateral ties.
Both sides agreed to explore proposals for deepening their partnership through relevant bilateral mechanisms, with follow-on official meetings expected to take place at an early date.
Adviser Kobir, describing the former Prime Minister as a “terrorist and killer,” alleged she is staying in India after the deaths of 1,500 people in Bangladesh. “It’s a must to restrain her. She should not be allowed to utilise Indian soil to destabilise Bangladesh in any way,” he remarked.
Despite current tensions, Kabir expressed optimism regarding the bilateral relationship, suggesting that existing challenges can be resolved if both sides remain committed to dialogue.
“You can address the challenges if you are engaged in dialogue. You must not give up the path of dialogue,” he stated, describing the recent visit as a “stepping stone” for moving forward positively.
Kabir added that while some issues may be resolved immediately, others may require more time.
