'Hand Her Over': BNP Demands Extradition of Sheikh Hasina from India

The bangladesh Nationalist party (BNP) has escalated its demands for the extradition of bangladesh Prime minister Sheikh Hasina from India. The BNP's call comes amidst ongoing controversies and criminal charges against Hasina.

BNP Secretary General mirza Fakhrul islam Alamgir told News18, “We urge india to legally extradite Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh. The people of bangladesh have called for her trial, and she should not evade it. india cannot shield her indefinitely.”

This demand puts india in a complex position. While india and bangladesh have an extradition treaty, which could potentially be invoked if formal charges are brought against Hasina, there are stipulations that complicate the matter. The treaty, initially signed in 2013 and amended in 2016, allows for the exchange of convicts sentenced to over a year in prison but excludes political prisoners and asylum seekers from its scope.

Experts point out that if Hasina is classified as a political figure rather than a criminal, india could deny the extradition request. Additionally, the treaty includes a dual criminality clause, which means that extradition is only applicable if the alleged crime is considered criminal in both countries.

India faces a challenging dilemma: While it views Sheikh Hasina as a valuable ally and is reluctant to extradite her due to the potential consequences for her safety and political future, refusing to act or delaying the decision could strain diplomatic relations with Bangladesh's current and future governments.

India is thus navigating a delicate balance, seeking to avoid both a diplomatic fallout and a potential breach of its extradition obligations.






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