The interim government of Bangladesh has formally communicated with India, requesting the return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Dhaka. The 77-year-old leader of the Awami League has been residing in India since August 5, when she left Bangladesh in the wake of widespread protests that led to the collapse of her 16-year administration.

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) based in Dhaka has issued arrest warrants for Sheikh Hasina, along with her ministers, advisors, and former military and civil officials, accusing them of “crimes against humanity and genocide.”

Touhid Hossain, the foreign affairs advisor for the interim government, informed the media, “We have sent a note verbale to the Indian government indicating that Bangladesh wishes to have her returned for the judicial proceedings.”

Previously, Home Advisor Jahangir Alam mentioned that his office had reached out to the External Affairs Ministry in India to facilitate Ms. Hasina’s extradition. “We have sent a letter to the foreign ministry regarding her extradition. The process is currently underway,” he stated to reporters.

Mr. Alam noted that an extradition treaty exists between Dhaka and New Delhi, which could allow for Ms. Hasina’s return to Bangladesh under this agreement.

This diplomatic request for Sheikh Hasina’s return follows a visit by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Bangladesh, where he engaged in discussions with Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel laureate. Mr. Misri described the talks as frank, candid, and constructive, covering a wide range of issues pertinent to the “extremely important bilateral relationship.” He also mentioned that India had raised concerns regarding attacks on minorities, including Hindus, with Bangladeshi leaders.

A statement from the Chief Advisor’s office indicated that Sheikh Hasina’s presence in India was a topic of discussion. The Chief Advisor expressed, “Our people are concerned because she is making many statements from there. It creates tensions.”

Prior to the Foreign Secretary’s visit, Ms. Hasina criticized the interim government and accused Muhammad Yunus of operating a “fascist regime.” In a virtual address to Awami League supporters in London, she claimed that Yunus was the “mastermind” behind the political unrest that led to the downfall of her administration.

“Since August 5, there has been a surge in attacks against minorities and places of worship for Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists. We strongly condemn these actions. The Jamaat and terrorists are operating freely under the new regime,” she stated. “Bangladesh is currently under the control of a fascist regime that has stripped away the democratic rights of its citizens. The progress our government made in poverty reduction and infrastructure development, as well as the strengthening of democracy, is being reversed under Yunus’s leadership,” she continued.