India Cannot Provide Timeline for Sheikh Hasina's Extradition, Says Dinesh Trivedi
Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi states that the extradition request for Sheikh Hasina is under legal review, with no set timeframe.
Dinesh Trivedi confirmed that India cannot specify a timeframe for Sheikh Hasina's extradition.
Hasina has been living in India since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024 amid political turmoil.
The extradition issue is straining India-Bangladesh relations, affecting diplomatic engagements.
During a recent discussion in Dhaka, Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi addressed the ongoing extradition request for Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Trivedi emphasized that India cannot provide a specific timeline for her return, as the request is currently undergoing a legal examination. He stated, "Nobody can give you a timeframe over Hasina's return," highlighting the structured legal process involved.
Sheikh Hasina, who is currently 79 years old, left Bangladesh in August 2024 following the collapse of her government amid widespread protests. Since then, she has taken refuge in India. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has reiterated that the extradition request from Bangladesh is being processed according to established legal norms, without any undue influence.
In August, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urged Trivedi to expedite the extradition process, emphasizing the importance of fostering a positive environment for bilateral relations. Trivedi clarified that Hasina was not brought to India by military means but arrived on a Bangladesh Air Force aircraft, which was a necessary response to the unfolding political crisis at the time.
The extradition request has become a significant point of contention in India-Bangladesh relations, particularly after Hasina was tried in absentia and sentenced to death by a special tribunal during the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. The political landscape has shifted dramatically since then, with the current government under Rahman continuing to press for Hasina's extradition, further complicating diplomatic ties.
Looking ahead, the extradition issue remains a critical factor in the relationship between India and Bangladesh. Despite the tensions, there are indications that discussions regarding Rahman's proposed visit to India may progress, although no specific dates have been confirmed. Meanwhile, Hasina has expressed her determination to return to Bangladesh by December, signaling her willingness to confront the legal challenges awaiting her there.
