DHAKA – Bangladesh's interim government has formally requested India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The letter was sent to India a few days ago. This action follows a death sentence handed down to Hasina by Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on November 17, 2025, for crimes against humanity. The tribunal also sentenced former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death. Both Hasina and Kamal are believed to be in India.
The charges against Hasina relate to a violent crackdown on student-led protests in July and August 2024, during which the UN estimates that as many as 1,400 people were killed. These protests, known as the 'July Uprising' or 'Monsoon Revolution', led to the collapse of Hasina's Awami League government on August 5, 2024. Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus subsequently assumed leadership of the interim government.
The interim government had previously sent a diplomatic note to India in December 2024 seeking Hasina's extradition, but received no response. Following the recent verdict, the External Affairs Ministry of India stated that they had noted the verdict, reiterating their commitment to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including peace, democracy, and inclusion.
The India-Bangladesh extradition treaty of 2013 stipulates that extradition can be requested if an individual has been charged, accused, or convicted of an extraditable offense. While the ICT's arrest warrant for "crimes against humanity" technically meets this condition, the treaty also requires dual criminality, meaning the offense must be punishable under the laws of both countries. India may interpret such charges differently, potentially arguing that they do not fit the definition required for extradition under its legal system.
Moreover, Article 6(1) of the treaty allows for refusal if the offense is considered political in nature. Given Hasina's ouster by a political uprising, India could argue that the charges are inseparable from Bangladesh's political situation. Article 8(3) further allows denial of extradition if the request is not made in good faith or in the interests of justice.
The interim administration is also reportedly preparing to seek assistance from Interpol to extradite Hasina and Kamal. Police in Bangladesh had previously sought Interpol red notices for 12 suspects, including Hasina, accused of crimes against humanity.
Hasina and her party reject the accusations and the legitimacy of the interim government, alleging that the trial was politically motivated. Hasina cannot appeal the verdict unless she surrenders or is arrested within 30 days of the judgment. The Awami League has been barred from contesting the upcoming February 2026 elections after its activities were banned under anti-terrorism laws.
