India's Stand on Sheikh Hasina Extradition: High-Level Talks Amid Ongoing Tensions Between Dhaka and New Delhi
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Bangladesh's National Security Advisor (NSA) Khalilur Rahman met with Indian counterpart Ajit Doval in New Delhi on Wednesday, sparking intense speculation about the country's efforts to bring back ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. According to a press release by the Bangladesh government, the two NSAs discussed key 'bilateral issues' and the functioning of the Colombo Security Conclave. Notably, India's NSA was invited to visit Bangladesh 'at his convenience.' The meeting marked the highest-level security engagement since the interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus assumed office in Bangladesh. This development comes just days after Bangladesh's foreign ministry urged India to extradite Sheikh Hasina, who has been in exile in India since her ouster as prime minister in August 2024. The Bangladesh government cited an extradition agreement with India, emphasizing that it was an 'obligatory responsibility' for New Delhi to ensure the return of Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) recently found Sheikh Hasina, former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal guilty on multiple counts for their alleged role in the July 2024 student crackdown that led to Hasina's ouster. The tribunal ruled that Sheikh Hasina incited violence, ordered killings, and failed to prevent atrocities during the protests, committing crimes against humanity. India has yet to respond to Bangladesh's extradition request, but the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) did issue a statement in response to the death sentence handed to Sheikh Hasina. The MEA reaffirmed India's commitment to Bangladesh's peace, democracy, inclusion, and stability. Meanwhile, Bangladesh is reportedly considering seeking Interpol's help for the extradition of Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal from India.
