(CLO) The Bangladeshi interim government has officially requested India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to face charges of "crimes against humanity".
Ms Hasina fled to New Delhi by helicopter in August, after being ousted by massive student protests against her government.
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Photo: Russell Watkin/UK Department for International Development
Bangladesh's foreign ministry confirmed on Monday that it had sent a formal request to India for Sheikh Hasina's extradition. Bangladesh's acting foreign minister, Touhid Hossain, said a "diplomatic note" had been sent to the Indian government stating: "The government of Bangladesh wants Ms. Hasina to return to the country for judicial proceedings."
Ms Hasina is facing a summons from a Dhaka court to answer charges related to “massacre, murder and crimes against humanity”.
She fled Bangladesh on August 5, when mobs stormed her Dhaka residence. Dozens of Hasina’s allies have been arrested, accused of involvement in the violent crackdown that left more than 700 people dead.
An Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman confirmed receipt of a note from the Bangladesh Embassy, but declined to comment further on the matter.
Bangladesh's interim government, led by Nobel Prize-winning economist Muhammad Yunus, has repeatedly criticized Hasina since her ouster. Yunus has accused her of being responsible for a series of extrajudicial detentions and executions of political opponents.
The war crimes tribunal in Dhaka has issued arrest warrants for Ms Hasina and her close associates. The Bangladesh government has also asked Interpol for assistance in arresting her.
The conflict between the two countries has increased as Ms. Hasina from New Delhi has continuously criticized the Yunus administration, especially his alleged failure to protect minorities, especially the Hindu community.
India recently stopped issuing visas to Bangladeshi citizens, except for medical emergencies. Many Indian citizens working in Bangladesh have also left due to security concerns.
Tensions between the two countries escalated following the arrest of a Hindu spiritual leader in Bangladesh, as well as attacks on the minority community. At the same time, a Bangladeshi diplomatic mission in India was also attacked, negatively affecting the relationship between the two countries.
The extradition request comes just two weeks after India's foreign minister visited Bangladesh, the first high-level visit since Ms Hasina ended her 15-year rule.
Hong Hanh (according to AFP, DW, Reuters)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/bangladesh-thuc-giuc-an-do-dan-do-cuu-thu-tuong-sheikh-hasina-post327182.html
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