Bangladesh is initiating legal proceedings to bring back former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India, where she fled following violent protests last month. Mohammad Tajul Islam, Chief Prosecutor of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), confirmed the government’s decision under the leadership of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Hasina faces charges linked to the violence during the protests, which led to hundreds of deaths.
Hasina fled to India on August 5 after protests against her government resulted in a violent crackdown, leaving hundreds, including students, dead.Authorities accuse her of playing a direct role in the massacres, and they have already named her in two murder cases. They have also arrested several of her former ministers and advisers for their involvement.
Extradition Process and Challenges
Bangladesh and India have a criminal extradition treaty signed in 2013, during Hasina’s administration, which could enable her return to face trial. However, the extradition could face hurdles due to a treaty clause that allows refusal if the charges are of a political nature. Despite this, Bangladesh remains committed to pursuing her return.
Yunus stressed that while Hasina remains in India, she must stay silent. “If India agrees to hold her until Bangladesh requests her return, the condition is that she must keep quiet,” Yunus stated in an interview. His administration faces growing pressure to hold Hasina accountable, especially after hundreds were killed during the unrest.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh has opened an investigation into the forced disappearances and human rights abuses under Hasina’s rule. Led by a retired high court judge, the investigation aims to uncover the full extent of extrajudicial killings and detentions during her time in power.
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As Bangladesh pushes forward with legal and diplomatic efforts, the international community watches closely, anticipating the outcome of this critical situation.