Bangladesh has formally sought India’s assistance in extraditing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to face charges of crimes against humanity. This request, which was confirmed during a Monday press briefing by Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Tawhid Hossain, follows a diplomatic Note Verbale sent to India.
Speaking at the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Day 2024 event, Home Affairs Advisor Lt. General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury added, “The Ministry of Home Affairs initiated the extradition request through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We already have an extradition treaty with India.”
Allegations and Legal Proceedings
Sheikh Hasina’s downfall in 2024 was precipitated by a mass uprising led by students and citizens. During the protests, government forces, acting under her direct orders, launched brutal crackdowns that resulted in the deaths of hundreds and injuries to thousands. Human rights organizations have classified these incidents as crimes against humanity, pointing to the systematic targeting of unarmed protesters. Eyewitnesses have provided harrowing accounts of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary arrests, further tarnishing her legacy.
Hasina faces accusations of orchestrating severe human rights violations throughout her tenure. These include extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and the violent suppression of dissent. The International Crimes Tribunal has referenced major incidents such as the 2009 Pilkhana massacre and the 2013 Hefazat-e-Islam protests in Motijheel’s Shapla Chattar as key examples of state-sponsored atrocities. Investigations have also implicated members of her cabinet and law enforcement agencies, highlighting the extensive nature of these alleged crimes.
Fall from Power: A Tumultuous End
On August 5, 2024, Sheikh Hasina was ousted after nationwide protests. These demonstrations were led primarily by students and civil society groups who stormed her residence at Ganabhaban. The day marked the dramatic end of her 15.5-year tenure as the world’s longest-serving female head of government.
In a last-ditch effort to suppress unrest, Hasina imposed a nationwide curfew on August 4. However, security forces, including the police and military, refused to engage violently with civilians. Her sister Sheikh Rehana and son Sajeeb Wazed Joy ultimately persuaded her to resign. This prompted her escape to India later that day on a military helicopter.
The Legacy of Sheikh Hasina
Sheikh Hasina’s government faced severe criticism for extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), a controversial elite force, was implicated in numerous cases of politically motivated violence. Human rights organizations reported more than a thousand disappearances during her tenure. Many victims remain missing. Despite international outrage, the government denied wrongdoing and offered limited accountability.
Hasina’s administration systematically weakened political opposition. Notably, BNP leader Khaleda Zia was imprisoned on contested corruption charges, effectively sidelining the primary opposition party. The Digital Security Act further stifled dissent. It enabled the arrests of journalists and activists, fostering a climate of fear and self-censorship.
The Hasina government faced widespread corruption allegations, particularly in large infrastructure projects. The World Bank’s withdrawal of funding from the Padma Bridge project in 2012 highlighted concerns about graft at the highest levels. The power and banking sectors of the country were also significant sources of corruption during her administration.
Critics have labeled Hasina’s leadership as increasingly authoritarian. The 2014 and 2018 general elections were marred by allegations of massive vote-rigging and voter suppression. Similarly, the 2024 general election faced widespread condemnation, with opposition parties labeling it a “dummy election.” Major opposition parties boycotted the election, citing a lack of transparency and fair competition. Reports of voter intimidation, ballot stuffing, and unusually low turnout further fueled allegations that the election was engineered to maintain Hasina’s grip on power. International observers expressed concerns over the absence of meaningful political competition and the continued suppression of dissent.
The abolition of the caretaker government system further entrenched her power, undermining electoral transparency. Furthermore, renaming public institutions after her family reinforced accusations of dynastic politics.
The Impact of the Extradition Request
Bangladesh’s formal request to India marks a pivotal juncture in its political history. It reflects both the nation’s quest for accountability and the challenges of navigating complex regional diplomacy. For proponents, this move represents a bold step toward addressing allegations of human rights abuses and systemic corruption under Sheikh Hasina’s administration. However, critics question the likelihood of India agreeing to extradition. They cite sensitive geopolitical implications and the potential strain on bilateral relations.
Sheikh Hasina’s political journey epitomizes the tension between progress and power in a fragile democracy. Once celebrated as a beacon of hope and economic growth, her leadership became synonymous with authoritarianism and suppression. The extradition request serves as a litmus test for Bangladesh’s commitment to justice and democratic principles. It also highlights the enduring struggle to balance political authority with accountability.
This high-profile case holds the potential to redefine governance in Bangladesh and reshape its international relationships, particularly with India. The global community will closely scrutinize the outcome, as it could set a crucial precedent for upholding the rule of law in South Asia. Whether this development fosters reconciliation or exacerbates political divisions, its implications will ripple across the region. Ultimately, it will influence the trajectory of democratic values and governance long after Sheikh Hasina’s tenure.
©Informer365Team