Bangladesh Seeks Extradition of Ousted PM Sheikh Hasina After Death Sentence

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Bangladesh's foreign ministry has urged India to hand over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina following her death sentence by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD). The Bangladesh government cited an extradition agreement with India, stating it is their 'obligatory responsibility' to ensure Hasina's return. According to a letter from the Bangladesh foreign ministry, providing refuge to those convicted of crimes against humanity is considered a 'highly unfriendly act and a disregard for justice'. This comes after Hasina and former interior minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal were found guilty on multiple counts over a crackdown on students in Bangladesh last year. Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted from power in August 2023, has been in self-exile in India since July 2023. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, confirmed that she is living in a secret safe house in Delhi with full security provided by the Indian government. Hasina has rejected the death sentence, labeling the tribunal as 'rigged' and 'biased'. She claims the verdict is an attempt to nullify her party, the Awami League, and remove her as the last elected prime minister of Bangladesh. The ICT-BD ruling came months before Bangladesh is set to hold its first election since Hasina's ouster in February 2026. The verdict has sparked controversy, with many questioning the fairness of the trial and the intentions of the interim government. The Bangladesh government is now calling on India to honor their extradition agreement and hand over Hasina to face justice. The situation remains uncertain, with many awaiting the Indian government's response to the demand.