Thousands march in Bangladesh demanding Sheikh Hasina’s prosecution

Thousands of protesters, led by student activists, marched through Dhaka on Tuesday, calling for the prosecution of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Demonstrators demanded justice for the deaths of hundreds during a mass uprising that toppled Hasina’s 15-year rule in July.

The “March for Unity,” organised by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, began at Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar. Protesters chanted for Hasina’s trial and urged the banning of her Awami League party. Addressing the rally, movement convener Hasnat Abdullah declared, “Since August 5, we have no more enemies in Bangladesh. Our only enemy is the Awami League.”

Hasina fled to India on 5 August following weeks of violent unrest in which security forces were accused of suppressing protests with excessive force. The uprising, which claimed hundreds of lives, ended her tenure as the country’s longest-serving prime minister.

Bangladesh seeks Hasina’s extradition

Last week, Bangladesh formally requested India to extradite Hasina, who faces numerous charges, including crimes against humanity for the deaths of protesters. A note verbale, a formal diplomatic message, was sent to India on Monday.

Bangladesh’s foreign adviser Touhid Hossain confirmed the development, stating, “We sent a note verbal to the Indian government, saying the Bangladesh government wants her back here for judicial process.” India’s Ministry of External Affairs acknowledged receipt of the request but declined further comment.

Under the 2013 extradition treaty, amended in 2016, murder charges are excluded from being classified as “political offences.”

"Extradition may be refused if the offence for which it is requested is an offence of a political character," the treaty states.

International and local reactions

Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has committed to prosecuting those responsible for the bloodshed. Yunus has sought international cooperation, including from the International Criminal Court. “We will seek the return of the fallen autocrat Sheikh Hasina from India,” Yunus said.

Meanwhile, Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed, has criticised the charges as politically driven. Speaking from the US, he called the accusations a “witch hunt” aimed at undermining his mother’s legacy.

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