Bangladesh to seek Interpol's help to extradite Sheikh Hasina, former minister Kamal from India

Former PM Sheikh Hasina was ousted from Bangladesh following a mass uprising by students against the erstwhile government.

Updated on: Nov 19, 2025, 18:17:31 IST

By HT News Desk

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The Bangladesh government is preparing to seek assistance from Interpol for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal from India.

Ousted former Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was awarded death sentence by a court on Monday. (AFP/File)

The Muhammad Yunus-led interim government in Dhaka had urged the Indian government on Monday to extradite Hasina and Kamal, after the two were sentenced to death for their role during the violent students' protest in Bangladesh last year.

The Chief Prosecutor's Office of the Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal, which led the prosecution against Hasina for the alleged atrocities during students' protest, is preparing an application to seek the extradition of the two top leaders, Bangladesh-based The Daily Star reported.

Also Read: Bangladesh urges India to hand over Sheikh Hasina after death sentence: 'Providing refuge would be...'

The letter is expected to be sent by the Bangladesh foreign ministry to New Delhi in coming days, the report added.

Sheikh Hasina was on Monday sentenced to death in absentia by the International Crimes Tribunal for "crimes against humanity" over her government's brutal crackdown on the students protests in July 2024. The ICT also awarded death sentence to former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on similar charges. Hasina has been living in India after fleeing Bangladesh on August 5, 2024 following the massive protests.

Following the death sentence to Hasina, the Bangladesh foreign ministry cited an extradition agreement with India and said it was an “obligatory responsibility” for New Delhi to ensure her return to Bangladesh.

Also Read: Will India have to send Sheikh Hasina on Bangladesh's extradition request? What treaties say

"Providing refuge to these individuals, who have been convicted of crimes against humanity, by any other country would be a highly unfriendly act and a disregard for justice,” the letter read.

What India has said on Bangladesh ICT's order

India has said that it noted the International Crimes Tribunal's verdict regarding Sheikh Hasina and that it remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh.

“As a close neighbour, India remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including in peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country. We will always engage constructively with all stakeholders to that end,” a statement of the Ministry of External Affairs said.

Also Read: Grateful to Indian people for providing me with safe haven: Sheikh Hasina

However, India has not commented on the request for Hasina's extradition. An Indian government source cited in a Reuters report said that extradition is a lengthy process requiring review of tribunal documents to ensure due procedure, fair representation, and credible testimony.

India cannot act without these records, and exemptions to the treaty apply if the case appears political, the report said quoting officials.

The Bangladesh interim government had maintained that India's failure to return her would be “a highly unfriendly gesture and an affront to justice”.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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