Bangladesh Seeks Extradition of Sheikh Hasina from India
In a significant political development, Bangladesh's interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus announced that his government will formally request the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India. Hasina fled to India on August 5 amid escalating protests and political turmoil in Bangladesh. Yunus, in a televised address, emphasized the government's commitment to holding accountable all individuals responsible for the violence during the protests, including Hasina herself. He stated that investigations into enforced disappearances and human rights violations during Hasina's tenure will be prioritized.
Yunus revealed that he has already discussed the extradition request with International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan, indicating a serious approach towards accountability for past actions. The interim government aims to implement comprehensive reforms to the electoral system to facilitate new elections and ensure a smooth transition to an elected government. Yunus promised to unveil a roadmap for these elections once the necessary reforms are completed.
Background of the Protests and Political Crisis
The unrest in Bangladesh began following the Supreme Court's reinstatement of a quota system that allocates a significant percentage of government jobs to specific groups, including families of veterans from the 1971 war of independence. The protests intensified after the government banned the opposition Jamaat-e-Islami party, which was blamed for previous violence. On August 5, as protests surged demanding justice for the victims of the violence, Sheikh Hasina departed Bangladesh in a military helicopter, coinciding with a storming of her official residence by demonstrators.
Following Hasina's departure, Army Chief Waqaruzzaman announced her resignation and the formation of an interim government, which has since been led by Yunus. The International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka had previously issued arrest warrants for Hasina and other leaders of the former ruling Awami League party, citing their involvement in the deaths of hundreds of protesters during the unrest that preceded Hasina's exit from the political scene.
