Bangladesh Seeks Sheikh Hasina’s Extradition Ahead of Tarique Rahman’s Proposed India Visit

Bangladesh has urged India to act on its extradition request for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ahead of Tarique Rahman’s proposed visit to New Delhi.

Dhaka has linked the creation of a favourable environment for the visit to progress on handing over Hasina and other wanted individuals, according to Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry.

Dhaka Wants Early Decision On Extradition

Bangladesh Foreign Ministry spokesperson Shahidul Karim said officials from the two countries have remained in contact over the proposed bilateral visit by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

He said the process had been affected following a public press conference held by Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi on August 5.

Bangladesh has maintained that Hasina’s extradition is a key issue. The country’s International Crimes Tribunal has convicted her of crimes against humanity, according to the report.

Dhaka Also Seeks Handover Of Murder Accused

Bangladesh has also asked India to hand over individuals accused in the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi under the bilateral extradition treaty.

Dhaka said it is awaiting an official response from New Delhi on both extradition requests before the proposed visit.

Bangladesh Stresses ‘Bangladesh First’ Policy

The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry reiterated its “Bangladesh First” policy in dealing with neighbouring countries.

Dhaka said it wants to build relations based on sovereign equality, national dignity and mutual interests, while respecting the principle of non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.

India-Bangladesh Talks Continue

Diplomatic-level communication between New Delhi and Dhaka remains ongoing, even as Bangladesh presses India for a response to its extradition requests.

The timing of the demand adds a sensitive issue to preparations for Tarique Rahman’s proposed India visit, with Sheikh Hasina’s presence in India continuing to be a major point of contention between the two countries.