BANGLADESH’S Interim Government on Monday said, it has sent a diplomatic note to New Delhi seeking the extradition of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India, a move that may further strain the ties between the two countries. India confirmed receiving the ‘note verbale’ or diplomatic communication from the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi but refrained from making any comment on it.

 

Bangladesh’s de facto Foreign Minister Touhid Hossain said, Dhaka wants Hasina back to face the judicial process. “We have sent a note verbale to the Indian Government saying that Bangladesh wants her back here for the judicial process,” Hossain told reporters in Dhaka. In New Delhi, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “We confirm that we have received a Note Verbale from the Bangladesh High Commission today in connection with an extradition request.” “At this time, we have no comment to offer on this matter,” he said in response to a question.

 

Hasina, 77, has been living in India since August 5 when she fled the country following a massive student-led protest that toppled her 16-year regime. Bangladesh-based International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has issued arrest warrants for Hasina and several former Cabinet Ministers, advisors, and military and civil officials for “crimes against humanity and genocide”. The relations between India and Bangladesh came under strain after the Interim Government headed by Muhammad Yunus came to power. India has been expressing concerns over attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in that country. Earlier on Monday, Home Advisor Jahangir Alam said his office sent a letter to the Foreign Ministry to facilitate the ousted Premier’s extradition from India. Alam said an extradition treaty between Dhaka and New Delhi already exists and Hasina could be brought back to Bangladesh under it.