In an apparent attempt to exert pressure on India for Sheikh Hasina’s extradition, Bangladesh’s interim government is planning to initiate a red alert notice through Interpol to bring her back, said a report by Indian intelligence agencies operating in Bangladesh.
The report cited a recent statement by Asif Nazrul, the legal advisor to Bangladesh's interim government, in which he acknowledged that efforts will soon begin to initiate a red alert through Interpol.
“While briefing local media at the law ministry in the secretariat in Dhaka on Tuesday, Nazrul said that a red notice would be issued through Interpol and the government was taking all necessary steps to bring her back for trial,” said an officer of the central Intelligence Bureau (IB).
The IB report indicated that Nazrul mentioned the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would determine Bangladesh’s next course of action, potentially raising the issue at an international level.
“Nazrul also mentioned the Bangladesh government’s letter to Delhi requesting Hasina’s extradition. He stated that if India refuses to return her, it would constitute a clear violation of the treaty between the two countries,” said the officer.
The Union government extended Hasina’s visa two weeks ago, legalising her tenure in India by completing the necessary paperwork with the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO).
Last month, the Bangladesh government formally sought Hasina’s extradition from India by sending a note verbal through its Department of Foreign Affairs. The Union government acknowledged the request but refrained from commenting further.
The MEA official said Bangladesh’s demand for Hasina’s extradition is a legal issue, not diplomatic. “If an interim government of a country, not an elected government, seeks extradition of a political personality, we will have to analyse all legal aspects. We will have to see whether Bangladesh’s interim government has any locus standi to make an extradition request. We will reply to the Bangladesh government’s verbal note at the proper time,” said an official of the MEA.
According to international law, even with an extradition treaty in place, a country is not always bound to send back a person. Extradition treaties typically outline the conditions under which one country will transfer a person to another country to face trial or serve a sentence.
There are some reasons that can lead a country to refuse the extradition of someone, even if there's a treaty. The reasons include if the crime is considered a political offense and if the requesting country doesn't provide sufficient evidence to support the extradition request. Ultimately, the decision to extradite someone is often subject to the discretion of the country's authorities and courts.
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