Not Extradition, India Awaits Legal Process on Sheikh Hasina: Jaishwal

India has once again clarified its position on the extradition of senior leaders and officials of the ousted Awami League government who left Bangladesh after the political change in the country. New Delhi said extradition is primarily a legal process, and decisions are taken after considering the relevant legal aspects and procedures.

Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made the remarks at the ministry’s weekly press briefing on Wednesday. Responding to a question about the extradition of Bangladesh-linked individuals, he said, “Extradition is essentially a legal matter. There are various legal aspects associated with it.” He added that India had previously stated the same position on the issue.

Asked about the welfare of Indian citizens living abroad, Jaiswal said the Indian government was committed to the welfare of its citizens overseas. On relations with Bangladesh, Jaiswal said India’s main objective is to build “a constructive, forward-looking and positive relationship” with Bangladesh. He said this approach currently guides India’s communication and engagement with Dhaka.

Meanwhile, the possible India visit of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has become a key topic of discussion in diplomatic circles. On Tuesday afternoon, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Diplomatic sources said the meeting discussed various aspects of relations between the two neighbouring countries, including Dhaka’s current position on a possible visit by Tarique Rahman to India.

On September 30, Trivedi had said that Tarique Rahman would visit India, although no date had been discussed yet. He also said time should be given for the necessary preparations. Several unresolved issues between the two countries are also under discussion, including Bangladesh’s demand for the return of Sheikh Hasina, water-sharing and trade. On October 3, Trivedi said the two sides needed to address the unresolved issues through regular discussions based on mutual respect and trust.

Regarding the return of Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh, he recently said that the matter is part of a legal process and that it is not possible to give a specific timeline. Following the political change in August 2024, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and several senior leaders and officials of the ousted Awami League government left Bangladesh.