'Expect earliest possible repatriation': Bangladesh on Sheikh Hasina extradition; seeks better working ties with India

NEW DELHI: Bangladesh’s foreign affairs adviser, Mohammad Touhid Hossain, on Sunday said that the interim government expects extradition of former Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina by India "at the earliest possible time," following her conviction for “crimes against humanity” during last year’s student-led protests, which led to her resignation and exile.“I think our (bilateral) relations won’t (be) stuck on one issue alone. However, since Hasina is now a declared convict, we expect her repatriation at the earliest possible time,” Hossain told reporters in Dhaka.The former prime minister was sentenced to death in absentia on November 17 by a special tribunal over her government’s crackdown on the student-led movement, termed the “July Uprising.” The protests toppled Hasina’s Awami League regime on August 5, 2024, after which she took refuge in India. She had earlier been declared a fugitive by a Bangladeshi court.When asked about ties with New Delhi under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, Hossain said, “India needs some time to adjust to the new realities,” but added that he was hopeful the two countries would see “better ties.”“We would like to have better working relations with India based on interest,” he remarked.Last week, Bangladesh’s foreign office sent an “official letter” seeking the extradition of the 78-year-old leader of the banned Awami League, following the tribunal’s verdict. According to Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi, the request is being “examined.”Dhaka had previously sent a note verbale in December last year seeking Hasina’s extradition.(With PTI inputs)