Examining Sheikh Hasina extradition request as per established procedures: MEA
New Delhi, August 11
India on Tuesday affirmed that Dhaka's request for the extradition of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is being examined as per established procedures and reiterated that its stand on the issue remains unchanged.
Addressing a bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Tuesday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the matter concerning Hasina's extradition was being processed, while investigations into the case involving the suspects in the murder of Bangladeshi activist Sharif Osman Hadi are currently underway.
"Our High Commissioner met with the Prime Minister of Bangladesh yesterday, and they discussed matters of mutual interest. On the other two issues that you raised about the extradition of the former Prime Minister, as also the case of Hadi. On Hadi, I told you that this is a legal matter in which investigations are ongoing presently. As far as the extradition matter is concerned, as I said before, our position has been very clear on this particular matter: that we are looking into the case as per established processes that we have on our side," said Jaiswal.
The official response came after Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi held talks yesterday to discuss several key issues, including Hasina's extradition and the return of those accused in Hadi's murder, local media reported.
Following the high-level meeting in Dhaka, a press release issued by the Rahman's PM's Press Wing noted, "Bangladesh hopes that India will expedite the process of extraditing Sheikh Hasina."
Concurrently, Bangladesh has called upon India to hand over the accused involved in the murder of Hadi, according to Bangladeshi daily Prothom Alo.
Hadi was shot in the head on December 12 last year by assailants firing from a moving motorcycle while riding a rickshaw on Paltan Road in Dhaka. He was subsequently airlifted to Singapore for medical treatment but succumbed to his injuries on December 18.
Earlier this year, the Bangladesh High Commission in Kolkata stated, "The Kolkata Police informed this Deputy High Commission in a message that two Bangladeshi citizens named Faisal Karim Masud (37) and Alamgir Hossain (34) have been arrested. Indian media has identified these two individuals as suspects in the Shahid Sharif Osman Bin Hadi murder case. Immediately after this news was published, the Deputy High Commission established the necessary contact with the Indian authorities in Kolkata and requested the Government of India to provide consular access."
Meanwhile, Indian High Commissioner Trivedi described his initial interaction with Prime Minister Rahman as "fruitful", remarking that the two nations do not merely share a physical border but also "share dreams", as per Bangladeshi local media.
Following the engagement with Rahman, the Indian High Commission posted on X that the envoy communicated India's intent to collaborate with the Bangladeshi administration and its citizens in a "positive, constructive and forward-looking manner".
"They exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and discussed avenues for further strengthening bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh with a people-centric approach," the post added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I appreciate the MEA's clarity. But I hope this doesn't strain our ties with Bangladesh. We share more than just a border; we share history, culture, and dreams. Diplomacy requires patience, and I'm glad we're reviewing this properly.
Sheikh Hasina's extradition is a complex case. India cannot rush this just because of political pressure from Dhaka. We have our own legal protocols and must follow them meticulously. Neighbourly relations are important, but so is the rule of law.
The murder of Sharif Osman Hadi is tragic, and the suspects must face justice. India has a responsibility to cooperate with Bangladesh on this matter. I trust our authorities will handle it with the seriousness it deserves. 🙏
India's stance seems balanced—not rushing into extradition while cooperating on the murder investigation. It's a fine diplomatic line. The High Commissioner's remark about "sharing dreams" is a good reminder that India-Bangladesh ties are about more than just politics.
Honestly, I'm a bit concerned about the delay. Bangladesh has been patient, and we need to show we are responsive to their requests. That said, legal processes can't be rushed. I hope both governments find a way forward that respects justice and bilateral trust.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.