Bangladesh Asks India to Hand Over Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Sentenced to Death; Indian Ministry of External Affairs Responds
Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan to death. Both are currently living in India.
Following the verdict, Bangladesh demanded Sheikh Hasina's extradition from India.
In response, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement saying it was "aware that the Bangladesh tribunal has issued a verdict regarding Sheikh Hasina."
The Indian Ministry said in its statement, "As a close neighbor, India is committed to the interests of the people of Bangladesh, including peace, democracy, inclusion, and stability. To this end, India will always engage constructively with all stakeholders."
However, India refused to comment on the extradition. Earlier on Monday, a statement was issued by the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
It states, "The International Criminal Court has found fugitives Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal guilty in a judgment. Granting asylum to these persons, convicted of crimes against humanity, by any country would be considered unfriendly behavior and a serious act of contempt of justice."
Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry stated, "We demand that the Indian government immediately hand over both convicts to Bangladeshi authorities. This is India's obligation under the extradition treaty between the two countries."