Bangladesh Wants India to Extradite Sheikh Hasina
The Facts
Bangladesh is reportedly set to seek former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's extradition from India, where she fled on Aug. 5 following massive protests against her.
Mohammad Tajul Islam, Chief Prosecutor of Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal, Sunday said she will be tried for "mass killings" during the protests.
The Spin
India must act swiftly and hand Sheikh Hasina over to Bangladesh so she can face justice for her alleged crimes. With growing demands for accountability from victims and political opponents, India's continued harboring of Hasina risks further straining its relations with Bangladesh. It is time for New Delhi to help restore trust and stability between the two nations.
As Bangladesh confronts its past, it needs to avoid vindictiveness against Sheikh Hasina and refrain from victimizing her. While the victims of enforced disappearances deserve justice and truth, healing requires balance and compassion. Pursuing retribution against a former leader could deepen divisions and impede reconciliation. Bangladesh must avoid taking the apparently easy path.
While Hasina's extradition is legally possible under the 2013 India-Bangladesh extradition treaty, New Delhi could cite the political character of charges against her or fears for her safety to avoid handing her over. Ultimately, diplomacy and political considerations will play a key role in what happens to her.
