Bangladesh’s interim government has formally begun efforts to extradite former prime minister Sheikh Hasina from India, nearly a year after her ousting following a student-led uprising, news agency ANI reported.
Foreign Affairs Advisor to the interim administration, Md Towhid Hossain, confirmed on Thursday that a formal request had been sent to Indian authorities. “We have sent a letter. We will follow up if necessary,” Hossain said, responding to questions about delays in the process.
The push for extradition follows a fresh legal setback for Hasina. On Wednesday, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) sentenced her to six months in prison in a contempt of court case.
A three-member panel led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder passed the ruling after Hasina failed to respond to court notices or submit an explanation.
According to ANI, the contempt case stems from comments made by Hasina and Awami League leader Shakil Alam Bulbul about an ongoing trial linked to the July 2024 uprising.
Prosecutors said an alleged viral audio clip of Hasina, in which she is heard saying, “There are 227 cases against me, so I have a licence to kill 227 people”, was found authentic through forensic analysis by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The clip prompted legal action earlier this year.
The tribunal also appointed senior lawyer AY Moshiuzzaman as amicus curiae for the proceedings. Despite public notices, Hasina reportedly failed to respond, prompting the court to proceed in absentia.
The ICT has also accused Hasina of orchestrating violence during the anti-government movement, including crimes against humanity and targeted killings. Formal charges state that these acts were ordered directly by her.
In a statement, the Awami League denounced the tribunal’s decision, calling it a “mock trial” orchestrated by “anti-national and anti-independence forces” to serve political ends.
Hasina has been living in self-imposed exile in India since August 5, 2024, after being deposed amid mass protests. Following her departure, a transitional government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was formed.
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With inputs from ANI