India Responds “No Comment” to Bangladesh’s Request for Sheikh Hasina’s Extradition

India has acknowledged receiving a note verbale from Bangladesh regarding an extradition request for Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister of Bangladesh. The note verbale, an unsigned diplomatic communication, was sent to the Indian government as part of the process, though Indian authorities have refrained from commenting further.

“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,” a source mentioned.

Earlier, Bangladesh’s acting Foreign Minister, Touhid Hossain, confirmed that Dhaka had made the extradition request, seeking Hasina’s return to stand trial. “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.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India has yet to comment on the situation.

Sheikh Hasina, 77, fled Bangladesh on August 5 after widespread protests led to the downfall of her 16-year administration. The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Bangladesh has issued arrest warrants for Hasina and several former officials for alleged crimes against humanity and genocide.

Bangladesh’s Home Adviser, Jahangir Alam, mentioned that the extradition request had been formally submitted to India’s Ministry of External Affairs. “We have sent a letter to the foreign ministry regarding her extradition. The process is currently underway,” he stated.

Alam also emphasized that an extradition treaty exists between India and Bangladesh, under which Hasina could be returned. Additionally, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus had previously indicated that seeking Hasina’s extradition was part of the interim government’s agenda.

In the meantime, religious minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus, have faced a rise in attacks following Hasina’s departure. The Vice President of ISKCON Kolkata, Radharaman Das, expressed concern about the safety of minority communities, citing over 2,200 reported cases of violence against them. “We know that now the Christmas holidays are going to be there. The Christian communities have been told that they should celebrate very carefully because there are chances of attacks on them,” Das warned.

Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh stated in the Indian Parliament that India has taken the situation seriously, sharing concerns with the Bangladesh government and urging stronger protections for minorities. The Indian High Commission in Dhaka continues to monitor the situation closely.