Bangladesh challenges ousted PM Hasina over return pledge

Bangladesh has challenged ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to seek extradition from India if she intends to return to the country, following her sentencing to death for crimes against humanity during the 2024 crackdown on protesters. Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh for 15 years, vowed to return to Bangladesh in December, where she was sentenced to death for her role in the crackdown.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that authorities are reviewing Hasina's request for a new passport and have already sent a letter to India seeking her extradition. Hasina's British lawyers have requested the renewal of her passport after it was reportedly revoked. However, the chief prosecutor of the court that sentenced Hasina dismissed the application, calling it a "political stunt."

Bangladesh's junior foreign minister urged Hasina to surrender and face justice. Hasina fled to India in 2024 and has not been seen in public since, but she has participated in online news conferences via telephone. Her return poses a political challenge for the government of Tarique Rahman, whose party won the February elections and barred Hasina's Awami League from contesting.