In a significant development amid Bangladesh’s continuing efforts to secure the return of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh National Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman met India’s NSA Ajit Doval in New Delhi on Wednesday.
According to an official press release issued by the Bangladesh government, the two NSAs held extensive discussions on major bilateral matters, regional cooperation, and the functioning of the Colombo Security Conclave. During the meeting, Ajit Doval was also formally invited to visit Bangladesh “at his convenience”.
As reported by ANI, this is the highest-level security interaction since the interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus took charge in Bangladesh earlier this year.
Bangladesh Renews Push to Bring Back Sheikh Hasina
The meeting comes shortly after Bangladesh’s foreign ministry publicly urged India to extradite former PM Sheikh Hasina, calling her a “fugitive accused” under the countries’ extradition treaty. Hasina has been staying in India since her removal from office in August 2024.
The ministry asserted that India has an “obligatory responsibility” to facilitate her return, along with former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.
The statement further noted, “Providing refuge to individuals convicted of crimes against humanity would be an unfriendly act and a disregard for justice.”
ICT Verdict and Charges Against Hasina
Earlier this week, the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh (ICT-BD) found Sheikh Hasina, former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal guilty on multiple counts linked to the July 2024 student crackdown, which eventually triggered the political collapse of Hasina’s government.
Judge Golam Mortuza Mozumder, reading out the verdict, stated that Hasina was guilty of incitement, issuing orders to kill, and failing to prevent widespread atrocities during the protests.
“These killings happened under the orders and full knowledge of PM Sheikh Hasina. By such acts, they committed crimes against humanity,” the tribunal said.
Hasina, however, dismissed the ruling as biased and politically motivated, insisting she was denied a fair opportunity to defend herself.
India’s Response and Possible Interpol Involvement
While New Delhi has not yet commented on the extradition request, the Ministry of External Affairs responded to the tribunal’s verdict, reiterating India’s commitment to the “peace, democracy, inclusion, and stability” of Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh is reportedly exploring the Interpol route to secure the extradition of Sheikh Hasina and Kamal. According to The Daily Star, the Chief Prosecutor’s Office is preparing the necessary documentation to approach Interpol for assistance.
