India has reiterated that it is legally examining Bangladesh’s formal request to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Speaking at a media briefing in New Delhi on Friday, Indian Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the request is under active consideration, noting the complex judicial processes involved.
In Dhaka, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam urged the Indian government to demonstrate political and diplomatic goodwill to facilitate Hasina's return. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, she clarified that Hasina who was recently sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal alongside former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal faces immediate arrest upon re-entering Bangladesh.
"Since she has been convicted, there is no scope for surrender. Whenever she comes to Bangladesh will be arrested in accordance with the law" the State Minister stated, adding that the Bangladeshi public expects court orders to be enforced against convicts residing abroad.
Bangladesh officially renewed its request under the bilateral extradition treaty on April 8. Sustained diplomatic efforts are currently being led by three ministries building on initiatives started by the previous interim government.
While acknowledging that international extraditions take time Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir emphasized the government's commitment to the rule of law. "We will continue to seek her extradition through a transparent judicial process" he told reporters.
