Bangladesh seeks India’s help to bring back Ex-PM Hasina for ‘Judicial process’

Bangladesh has formally requested India’s assistance in returning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to New Delhi in August. The request was made through a note verbale, according to Touhid Hossain, acting head of Bangladesh’s foreign ministry. He confirmed that the government wants Hasina back in the country for a “judicial process,” although the specifics remain unclear.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs acknowledged receiving the request but declined to comment further. Relations between Bangladesh and India, which have traditionally been strong, have soured since Hasina’s departure. Following violent protests and her ousting from power, Hasina took refuge in India, and tensions have grown between the two nations.

Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government and Nobel laureate, has demanded that India send Hasina back to face trial. Yunus accuses her of crimes against protesters and political opponents during her 15-year rule. He also criticized Hasina for her vocal opposition to his government from New Delhi.

Hasina faces serious charges, including crimes against humanity, genocide, and murder, all of which she denies. She has also been outspoken about the violence that led to her removal, claiming that many of the deaths involved people beyond security forces.

Meanwhile, Hasina’s allies have been arrested, accused of involvement in a police crackdown that killed over 750 people. Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has issued arrest warrants for Hasina and her aides, and the government has sought Interpol’s assistance.

Additionally, Bangladesh’s anticorruption commission launched an investigation into alleged embezzlement related to the Rooppur nuclear plant project, which is backed by Russia. The commission claims Hasina and her family are involved in kickbacks, mismanagement, and money laundering, raising concerns over public funds and the integrity of the project.