Interim government of Bangladesh demands return of Sheikh Hasina from India

The interim government of Bangladesh has made a formal demand to India to send back Sheikh Hasina.
The Mohammad Yunus-led government expressed its intention in this regard by sending a diplomatic note to India.
Currently, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is living at an undisclosed place in Delhi.

Sheikh Hasina: Asylum in India after the coup

• 5 August 2023:
  There was a coup in Bangladesh after 16 years, due to which Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power.
• She reached Hindon Airbase in Ghaziabad on the same day in a Bangladesh Air Force aircraft.
• Since then she has been in India and was recently seen addressing a program of her party Awami League through virtual medium.

What was said in the diplomatic note?

Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry clarified in its statement:

“We have sent a diplomatic note to the Indian government. In this, there has been a demand to send Sheikh Hasina back so that the judicial process against her can be carried forward.”

Warrant and charges against Sheikh Hasina

The International Crime Tribunal has issued an arrest warrant against Sheikh Hasina.

• Apart from them, warrants have also been issued against several former cabinet ministers, military officers, and judicial officers.
• 77-year-old Sheikh Hasina has been accused of corruption and human rights violations.

Mohammad Yunus government’s stance

Jahangir Alam, an advisor to the Home Ministry of Bangladesh, said:

• His office has sent a letter to the Ministry of External Affairs, demanding to initiate the process for Sheikh Hasina’s return.
• This step will make it easier to prosecute them.

Mujibur Rahman’s legacy attacked

The interim government has also targeted the legacy of Sheikh Hasina’s father and Bangladesh’s founder Bangabandhu Mujibur Rahman.

• The museum built in his name was set on fire.
• Government holidays declared in his honor have also been abolished.

Increasing tension between India and Bangladesh

The demand to bring back Sheikh Hasina from India has become a sensitive issue at the international level.

• Sheikh Hasina is known for her warm relations with India, liberal policies, and secular politics.
• His presence in India may impact diplomatic relations between the Bangladesh government and India.