Bangladesh is moving to extradite deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both sentenced to death for crimes against humanity.
Officials said a note verbale to India is being finalized, while prosecutors prepare a fresh Interpol request based on newly issued conviction warrants. Hasina fled to India after the July 2024 uprising, and New Delhi has not responded to earlier repatriation requests.
Bangladesh has a 2013 extradition treaty with India that allows Dhaka to request the return of convicted individuals, authorities said. It is not clear whether India will respect that agreement.
“Since the defendants are convicted of Crimes Against Humanity, Bangladesh will request their return from the Indian government, which, if respectful of the rule of law, should hand them over,” said Mohammad Tajul Islam, chief prosecutor for the special tribunal pursuing justice for crimes committed under the Hasina regime. “Because a competent tribunal in Bangladesh has issued a death sentence, the state can use Interpol to arrest the fugitives and bring them back to Bangladesh for the execution of the sentence.”
Bangladesh argues extradition is mandatory under the bilateral treaty, though Indian analysts say the process will be lengthy and politically charged. Prosecutors said both convicts must surrender and file appeals within 30 days, rejecting Hasina’s claim that the trial was politically motivated.