India examining Hasina extradition request, says she cannot use its territory for political activity
India says it continues to adhere to the principle that its territory will not be used for political activities directed against another country.
The Indian government has said Bangladesh's request to extradite former prime minister Sheikh Hasina "is currently being examined" by the country's competent authorities in accordance with applicable laws and established procedures.
The disclosure was made in the government's Action Taken Report submitted to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. The report was tabled in the Indian Parliament on Thursday (30 July).
According to the report, the Indian government informed the committee that the extradition request "is being examined by the competent authorities" in line with established legal procedures.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The parliamentary panel said it had taken note of Bangladesh's extradition request following the pronouncement of a death sentence against Hasina in absentia and urged the government to keep it informed of progress in considering the matter.
The committee also noted that Hasina's stay in India is guided by the country's "civilisational ethos and humanitarian tradition of offering refuge to individuals facing circumstances of grave distress or existential threat."
It further said the Indian government had clarified that Hasina has not been provided any political platform or space to undertake political activities from Indian territory.
According to the committee, India continues to adhere to the principle that its territory will not be used for political activities directed against another country.
The panel recommended that the government continue its "principled and humanitarian approach," while ensuring such situations are handled with due sensitivity and in line with India's values and international responsibilities.
The government's response to the committee stated: "The recommendation is noted for compliance."
The developments were included in the report titled Action Taken by the Government on the Observations/Recommendations Contained in the Ninth Report of the Committee on the Subject 'Future of India-Bangladesh Relationship'.
