Send Sheikh Hasina Back: Bangladesh’s Diplomatic Note To India

New Delhi: Bangladesh’s interim government on Monday sent a diplomatic note to India asking the Narendra Modi-headed government to send back deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina to Dhaka.

“We have sent a note verbale (diplomatic message) to the Indian government saying that Bangladesh wants her back here for the judicial process,” Foreign Affairs adviser or de facto foreign minister Touhid Hossain told newspersons at his office.

The 77-year-old Hasina has been living in exile in India since August 5, when she resigned and fled her country amid countrywide student-led protests over a controversial job quota system that toppled her 16-year regime.

It remains to be seen how India responds to Bangladesh’s official demand.

Arrest warrants have been issued against Hasina and several former Cabinet ministers, advisers, military and civil officials for “crimes against humanity and genocide” by Dhaka-based International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).

Bangladesh’s Home Advisor Jahangir Alam had said earlier his office sent a letter to the Foreign ministry to facilitate Hasina’s extradition from India.

Alam said that since an extradition treaty between Dhaka and New Delhi exists, Hasina could be brought back to Bangladesh under that treaty.

Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus had said last month in a televised address to the nation on completing 100 days in office that his administration will investigate those responsible for hundreds of deaths, including the former PM.

“We will seek the return of the fallen autocrat Sheikh Hasina from India,” Yunus had said, adding that Hasina’s role will be investigated not only in the deaths but also in other violations of human rights, including alleged enforced disappearances while she was in power.

Hasina, on the other hand, has slammed the Yunus-led interim government several times. Last week, she labelled Yunus as a “fascist” and accused him of suppressing the spirit of the Liberation War and pro-liberation forces.

“This undemocratic group led by the fascist Yunus has no responsibility towards the people. They are secretly supporting the anti-Independence radical communal forces. The lack of sensitivity of the leaders of this government, including the fascist Yunus, towards the Liberation War and its history is proven in every step they take,” Hasina said.