Following the recent verdict by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal, the interim government of Bangladesh has formally requested India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Both leaders were sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity related to the violent crackdown on student-led protests in July 2024.
The tribunal found Hasina and Kamal guilty of ordering and overseeing actions that led to the deaths of over 1,400 civilians, including students and activists. The Bangladeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement urging India to act under the bilateral extradition treaty and hand over the convicted individuals, who are reportedly residing in India since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024.
The statement emphasized that sheltering individuals convicted of such crimes would be viewed as an unfriendly act and a disregard for justice. India has not yet responded officially to the request, and legal experts suggest that any extradition would require judicial review and consideration of asylum protections.
The development has sparked diplomatic tension and drawn international attention, with human rights groups calling for transparency and adherence to legal standards in both countries.
