Wed Feb 05 12:05:08 UTC 2025: **Bangladesh Seeks Extradition of Ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India**

DHAKA, BANGLADESH (February 5, 2025) – Bangladesh’s interim government is intensifying its efforts to extradite ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India, where she has been residing since August 2024 following a student-led uprising that ended her 16-year rule. The government, citing arrest warrants issued by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) for crimes against humanity and genocide, is pursuing legal avenues to secure her return.

Home Adviser Lt. Gen. (retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that while arrests are being made within the country of those accused, efforts are underway to bring back those residing abroad, including Ms. Hasina. The ICT has issued arrest warrants for Ms. Hasina and numerous others, and Bangladesh has already revoked their passports. Police chief Baharul Alam expressed optimism that Interpol would soon issue red notices for their arrest.

A diplomatic note was sent to India last year requesting Ms. Hasina’s extradition. The charges against Ms. Hasina stem from allegations of mass killings during the July-August 2024 student protests and enforced disappearances during her tenure. The ICT, originally established to try collaborators in the 1971 Liberation War, has set a February 12 deadline for Ms. Hasina’s court appearance.

Separately, a Bangladeshi High Court acquitted 47 individuals convicted in a 1994 attack on a train carrying Ms. Hasina, overturning death and life imprisonment sentences.

The situation highlights escalating tensions between the interim government and supporters of the Awami League, Ms. Hasina’s party, which is reportedly mobilizing against the current administration. Several graft cases have also been filed against Ms. Hasina’s family. The Awami League will reportedly not be allowed to contest upcoming elections.

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