Warning and Political Repercussions
Abul Kalam Majumder, the Deputy Press Secretary for the Chief Adviser, revealed that the Passports Department had cancelled the passports of 22 individuals implicated in the disappearance of protestors. Meanwhile, 75 others, including Sheikh Hasina, had their passports cancelled due to their alleged participation in the violent events that led to the deaths of numerous demonstrators. Among those named are former Cabinet ministers, military and civil officials, and advisers linked to Hasina’s administration during her 16-year rule.
Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has also added another layer to this political drama by issuing arrest warrants for Sheikh Hasina and other key figures. The charges include “crimes against humanity” and “genocide” related to the deaths during the July unrest. These developments underline the deepening rift between Hasina’s Awami League (AL) party and the new interim government, which came to power after the protests toppled Hasina’s leadership.
Sheikh Hasina’s Escape and Extradition Request
Sheikh Hasina, 77, fled Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, in the wake of the student-led protests that culminated in her regime’s downfall. Since then, she has resided in India, extending her visa despite the escalating diplomatic tensions between Dhaka and New Delhi. This extension of Hasina’s visa occurred shortly after Bangladesh’s interim government issued an extradition request for her return, further complicating the already sensitive political situation.
Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has given Hasina a deadline of February 12 to appear before the court, but the question of her return remains clouded in uncertainty. Major General Fazlur Rahman, who heads the National Independent Commission of Inquiry in Bangladesh, stated that if India does not cooperate with the extradition request, the commission is willing to travel to India to interrogate Hasina.
India’s Diplomatic Tightrope
India’s decision to extend Sheikh Hasina’s visa has raised eyebrows, with diplomatic sources suggesting that this move is less about supporting Hasina and more about managing the delicate balance of diplomatic relations with Bangladesh. Sources claim that India sees Bangladesh’s extradition request as a pressure tactic aimed at influencing the country’s political landscape. Indian authorities have maintained a cautious approach, signalling that the issue is not merely diplomatic but involves complex legal considerations.
According to reports, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs approved the visa extension through the local Foreigners Regional Registration Office. However, experts believe that India is unlikely to grant Hasina political asylum, as India lacks specific laws for such a status. Bangladesh’s request for Hasina’s extradition was sent as a “note verbale” – an informal diplomatic communication – rather than through formal legal channels, which is expected to slow down the process.
Legal and Diplomatic Hurdles
The request for extradition of a political figure from an interim government in another country presents a web of legal complexities. Foreign Ministry sources in Delhi indicated that the legal aspects of such a request could take months to resolve. The diplomatic response from India will not be hasty, as they are carefully weighing the potential political ramifications.
Bangladesh’s interim government is trying to make a bold statement by targeting Hasina and her associates. The legal and diplomatic challenges posed by Hasina’s status in India could delay any decisive action. Moreover, India is likely to continue handling the matter cautiously, mindful of its strategic interests in the region and its historical ties with Bangladesh.
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