In a significant diplomatic move, Bangladesh has sent a formal request to India for the return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, according to the country’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, Mohammad Touhid Hossain.
The announcement was made during a media briefing on Monday, December 23.
"We have informed them (India) through a note verbale, requesting the return of Sheikh Hasina for trial. We have clearly conveyed to them that we seek her return in connection with legal proceedings," Hossain said.
Earlier that same day, Home Affairs Adviser Mohammad Jahangir Alam Chowdhury shared more details about the issue while attending the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Day event in Pilkhana.
He confirmed that the Foreign Ministry had already written to India, urging them to take the necessary steps for Sheikh Hasina’s return.
Alam also noted that, according to the prisoner exchange agreement, Sheikh Hasina could be returned through such a formal process.
When reporters asked how the former Prime Minister would be sent back to Bangladesh, Hossain explained, “We have a prisoner exchange agreement with India. According to this agreement, she can be returned.”
This move comes after an arrest warrant was issued for Sheikh Hasina on October 17 by the International Crimes Tribunal in relation to a genocide case from July-August.
Following that, Bangladesh began taking legal steps to bring her back. On November 13, the prosecution requested that the Police Chief initiate procedures to issue an Interpol Red Notice for her arrest.
-20241223065754.jpg)
-20241223064225.jpeg)
-20241217065341.jpg)
-20241217074542.jpg)
