Possible to extradite Hasina thru prisoner exchange if Bangladesh, India agree: Acting foreign secy Ruhul

It is possible to bring back deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina under the prisoner exchange agreement between Bangladesh and India if both countries agree to it, Acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique said today (26 May).

"In that case, both countries must agree. If they do, then it is possible," he said in response to a leading question at a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the upcoming Japan visit of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.

He also stated that there is an opportunity to take steps in accordance with international law to bring Hasina back, who fled to India on 5 August after the 2024 mass uprising.

Asked about the next steps following the International Crimes Tribunal's order that Sheikh Hasina be presented before the court, Ruhul said, There is a universal norm for serving the court's orders. We will try to implement the court's verdict by following that universal format and norms."

When asked whether the people being pushed in from India are being returned based on an Indian list, he said, "We are trying to reach an amicable solution with India regarding the push-ins."

"It needs to be verified whether those being pushed in are on that list. Nothing specific can be said until that is done. The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Border Guard Bangladesh are working together on this."

He further said, "Just because India provides a name doesn't mean it's easy to identify someone. Many names are similar. We have to determine whether the individual is our citizen."

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Shah Asif Rahman and Director General of the East Asia-Pacific Division Noor-E-Alam were also present at the press conference.

When asked about the alleged campaign against Bangladesh being carried out by the banned Awami League in India, he said, "We are definitely telling India about those who are campaigning against Bangladesh from neighbouring countries - you should not indulge in it. We are always saying this."

"But we do not tell them individually, we say in general – those who are against our government, against our interests, do not indulge them," he added.

Last week, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs assigned Md Ruhul Alam Siddique to carry out the routine duties of the foreign secretary until further notice, as the previous foreign secretary stepped aside from his responsibilities.