Amidst ongoing efforts by India and Bangladesh to resolve issues that have strained their relationship, the demand for the extradition of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, from India remains a contentious and unresolved issue.

Bangladesh’s Demand for Extradition

• Last week, Bangladesh’s interim regime sent a “note verbale” to New Delhi demanding the extradition of Sheikh Hasina to face charges, including corruption and crimes against humanity related to a police crackdown on student protesters.
• The India-Bangladesh Extradition Treaty of 2013, amended in 2016, outlines the procedure for extradition, which requires a more formal representation from Bangladesh to India.
• However, the legalities surrounding the extradition could lead to prolonged negotiations.

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India’s Stance on Sheikh Hasina’s Extradition

• Separation of Issues: India believes that Bangladesh should keep the extradition issue separate from other matters such as border and trade issues. 
  • The focus should be on resolving current issues rather than escalating tensions with the extradition request.
• Policy of Providing Refuge: India has long upheld its policy of providing refuge to individuals in need of asylum, as seen in its support for the Dalai Lama in 1959 despite international pressure.
  • Given Sheikh Hasina’s history and her status as a guest in India, it is unlikely that India will accede to Bangladesh’s extradition request.
• Acknowledging Hasina’s Contribution: India believes Bangladesh should acknowledge the sacrifices made by Sheikh Hasina and her family for Bangladesh’s liberation, including the assassination of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in 1975.
• Extradition and Legal Responsibility: India maintains that bringing Sheikh Hasina to justice should be the responsibility of a duly elected Bangladeshi government, not an interim regime. 
  • Bangladesh should address the legal issues and pursue accountability through appropriate legal frameworks and political processes.

Way forward

• India must recognize the political implications of Hasina’s statements made from Indian soil, as they could exacerbate tensions between the two countries.
• A careful cost-benefit analysis is needed to evaluate whether allowing such statements aligns with India’s broader diplomatic interests.

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Conclusion

Both India and Bangladesh must approach this issue diplomatically, ensuring that it does not derail their wider strategic and economic cooperation. The extradition matter should be handled in a manner that respects both legal processes and the historical context of their bilateral ties.

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