'No Comment to Offer': India on Bangladesh's Note Seeking Sheikh Hasina's Extradition

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday confirmed that a diplomatic communication has been received from the Bangladesh interim government regarding the extradition of the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. 

MEA said that it has “no comments” to offer at the moment on the matter. 

On note verbale sent to India regarding the extradition of Bangladesh's ousted PM Sheikh Hasina, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said, "We confirm that we have received a note verbale from the Bangladesh High Commission today in connection with an extradition request. At this time, we have no comment to offer on this matter."

Bangladesh 's Interim government on Monday said that it has sent a diplomatic note to India to initiate the extradition process of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to Dhaka.

Hasina, 77, has been living in exile in India since Aug 5 when she fled the country amid the student-led protests that toppled her 16-year regime. 

Bangladesh Sends Diplomatic Message For Hasina’s Extradition

Dhaka-based International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has issued arrest warrants for Hasina and several former Cabinet ministers, advisers, and military and civil officials for "crimes against humanity and genocide".

“We have sent a note verbale (diplomatic message) to the Indian government saying that Bangladesh wants her back here for the judicial process,” Foreign Affairs Adviser or de facto foreign minister Touhid Hossain told reporters at his office.

Earlier today, Bangladesh Home Advisor Jahangir Alam stated that his office had sent a letter to the foreign ministry to assist in the extradition of the ousted prime minister from India.

"We have submitted a letter to the foreign ministry regarding her extradition, and the process is currently underway," he told reporters in response to a question.

Alam also mentioned that an existing extradition treaty between Dhaka and New Delhi would allow Hasina's return to Bangladesh under the terms of the agreement.

MEA Confirms Note Received From Bangladesh 

The official sources in MEA acknowledged to Republic Media Network that they have received a note from the Bangladesh interim government regarding the extradition of ousted PM Hasina. 

Yunus Expresses Concern on Hasina’s Statement

Amid ongoing strains in India-Bangladesh relations, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, raised concerns during a meeting with India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri regarding former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ’s statements made from India.

“Our people are concerned because she is making many statements from there. It creates tensions,” Yunus said, according to an official statement.