Dhaka Summons Indian Envoy Over 'Fugitive' Hasina's Incendiary Statements, Demands Extradition

Dhaka summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to express "serious concern" over India allegedly allowing fugitive Sheikh Hasina to make "incendiary statements" urging her supporters to engage in terrorist activities in Bangladesh aimed at disrupting the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Bangladesh reiterated its demand for the extradition of both Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to face sentences from Bangladeshi judicial authorities.

The Ministry also called attention to the anti-Bangladesh activities, including planning and organizing terrorism, by fugitive Awami League members staying in India to obstruct the elections. Dhaka urged the Indian government to "expeditiously act to end the criminal actions" of these "fascist terrorists" and extradite them.

Finally, Bangladesh sought India's cooperation in preventing the escape to India of suspects involved in the recent attempted assassination of Bangladeshi political leader Sharif Osman Hadi, and ensuring their immediate apprehension and extradition if they cross the border.

The Ministry stressed that India, as a neighbor, should support justice and democratic processes in Bangladesh. High Commissioner Verma responded by emphasizing India's desire for peaceful elections in Bangladesh and expressed the country's readiness to offer all cooperation in that regard.