Dhaka/New Delhi: The Bangladesh government is preparing to approach Interpol for assistance in the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal from India, following their sentencing to death by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).

The move comes after Hasina and Kamal were found guilty in absentia for their alleged roles in the violent crackdown on student protests in Bangladesh in July 2024. Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted from office following mass uprisings led by students, has been living in India since fleeing Bangladesh on August 5, 2024. Kamal, also convicted by the ICT, is reportedly outside the country.

According to reports from Bangladesh-based The Daily Star, the Chief Prosecutor’s Office of the ICT is preparing an application to formally request Interpol’s assistance to secure the extradition of the two leaders. The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry is expected to send an official letter to New Delhi in the coming days to initiate the process. The interim government in Dhaka, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has emphasized that the extradition is grounded in existing treaties between India and Bangladesh and described it as an “obligatory responsibility” for New Delhi to ensure the return of Hasina and Kamal.

“The provision of refuge to individuals convicted of crimes against humanity by any other country would be a highly unfriendly act and a disregard for justice,” the letter reportedly states.

The ICT’s verdict, handed down on Monday, imposed the death penalty on Sheikh Hasina for “crimes against humanity” during the student protests, while Kamal received the same sentence for similar charges. These protests had erupted across Bangladesh in July 2024, triggering widespread unrest and ultimately leading to Hasina’s removal from office.

India’s Response

India has acknowledged the verdict of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal but has not commented directly on the extradition request. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement noting that India remains committed to the “best interests of the people of Bangladesh,” including the promotion of peace, democracy, inclusion, and stability in the country.

An Indian government source, speaking to Reuters, highlighted that extradition is a complex process requiring careful review of tribunal documents to ensure due process, fair representation, and credible testimony. The source also noted that provisions within the India-Bangladesh extradition treaty allow for exemptions if the case appears to have political implications, suggesting that India cannot act without a full assessment of the legal files provided by Bangladesh.

The interim government in Dhaka has expressed strong dissatisfaction with any potential delay, describing India’s failure to extradite Hasina as “a highly unfriendly gesture and an affront to justice.”

Background

Sheikh Hasina, who served as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister until her ouster in August 2024, has been living in India since the mass protests that led to her removal. The protests, largely student-led, erupted against her government’s policies and alleged misconduct, escalating into violent clashes with security forces.

The International Crimes Tribunal, set up to address serious violations and atrocities committed during these protests, found both Hasina and Kamal culpable for actions deemed “crimes against humanity.” The tribunal’s sentences have added a complex layer to India-Bangladesh relations, particularly given the legal and diplomatic considerations surrounding extradition requests.

Potential Legal and Diplomatic Implications

Extraditing high-profile political figures such as Hasina and Kamal involves navigating both domestic law and international legal frameworks. Under India’s extradition treaty with Bangladesh, requests must be supported by appropriate legal documentation and meet criteria that ensure fair trial standards. Political overtones or insufficient evidence can provide grounds for refusal under the treaty.

Legal experts note that the involvement of Interpol would primarily facilitate locating and securing the travel of the accused if they are outside India, but it does not replace the requirement for compliance with national legal procedures and bilateral treaty obligations.

Observers suggest that the request could test the diplomatic ties between India and Bangladesh, especially in light of the sensitive political context surrounding the 2024 student protests and Hasina’s continued influence in Bangladeshi politics.

Next Steps

The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry is expected to formally submit its extradition request to India, backed by the ICT’s tribunal documents, before approaching Interpol. The Indian government will then conduct a detailed review to determine the legality and feasibility of the request under domestic law and international obligations.

Meanwhile, the development has drawn attention to the broader geopolitical and human rights considerations involved in extraditing former national leaders convicted in absentia. Analysts predict that any move to facilitate the extradition could trigger legal challenges and further diplomatic dialogue between Dhaka and New Delhi.

Bangladesh’s push for extradition signals its intent to ensure that Hasina and Kamal face the tribunal’s sentences, while India’s cautious approach underscores the complexities of balancing international law, bilateral relations, and political sensitivities in such high-profile cases.