Bangladesh has begun preparing a request to Interpol to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal from India. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, asked New Delhi on Monday to send both leaders back after a court sentenced them to death for their role in last year’s violent student protests.

Tribunal Prepares Extradition Appeal

Officials from Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal are now drafting a formal extradition application. The Chief Prosecutor’s Office, which handled the case against Hasina, is leading the process. The foreign ministry plans to send the letter to India in the coming days.

The tribunal sentenced Hasina to death in absentia on Monday for “crimes against humanity” linked to her government’s crackdown on the July 2024 protests. It also gave Kamal the death penalty on similar charges. Hasina has been living in India since August 5, 2024, after she fled the country during massive demonstrations.

Dhaka Pressures India to Act

Bangladesh’s foreign ministry reminded India of the existing extradition treaty. It said New Delhi has an “obligatory responsibility” to return Hasina. The ministry added, “Providing refuge to these individuals, who have been convicted of crimes against humanity, by any other country would be a highly unfriendly act and a disregard for justice.”

India Responds to the Verdict

India acknowledged the tribunal’s judgment. It stressed its commitment to supporting the people of Bangladesh. The Ministry of External Affairs said, “As a close neighbour, India remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including in peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country. We will always engage constructively with all stakeholders to that end.”

However, India did not comment on the extradition request. A Reuters report quoted an Indian government source who said the extradition process is lengthy. India must review the tribunal’s documents to verify due process, proper representation, and credible testimony. The source also noted that India may refuse the request if the case appears political.

Dhaka Warns of Diplomatic Strain

The interim government in Bangladesh continues to push India to act. It warned that India’s failure to extradite Hasina would be “a highly unfriendly gesture and an affront to justice.”