India says examining Bangladesh's request for Hasina's extradition
Jaiswal said India remained “committed to the best interest of the people of Bangladesh, including peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country, and will continue to engage constructively in this regard with all stakeholders
India is examining a request from Bangladesh for the extradition of Sheikh Hasina, according to the Indian foreign ministry spokesperson.
"Yes, we have received the request. And this request is being examined as part of ongoing judicial and internal legal processes," Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters today (26 November).
Jaiswal said India remained "committed to the best interest of the people of Bangladesh, including peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country, and will continue to engage constructively in this regard with all stakeholders."
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He was also asked about the death sentence handed down to Hasina by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) for crimes against humanity, as well as other cases against her that may result in further adverse verdicts. Jaiswal replied, "Yes, we have taken note of the verdict of death sentence. We are following all the developments that are happening in that country."
Responding to another query regarding the recent meeting between National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman and his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval in New Delhi and the invitation to the latter to visit Bangladesh, Jaiswal said they had "seen the reports," adding, "We will take it forward when the time comes."
The spokesperson also said he was not aware of a specific Indian Supreme Court order concerning the repatriation of a group of Indians sent to Bangladesh. However, he noted that India and Bangladesh maintain "regular consular dialogue and conversation."
"There are several issues for which we continue to talk with Bangladesh where the interests of our nationals are involved," he added.
According to media reports, Sheikh Hasina fled to India last year following a student-public uprising. Bangladesh has so far sent two letters requesting her extradition, but India had not responded until now.
On 17 November, the International Crimes Tribunal handed her a death sentence over her alleged role in the killing of student protesters. After Bangladesh sent a third request this month seeking her extradition, India finally commented on the matter.
Hasina has been staying at a residence on Lodhi Road in New Delhi since fleeing Bangladesh. Besides her, thousands of Awami League leaders and activists also fled the country during the unrest. Around 930 of them are currently in India, including in West Bengal and Delhi.
