While seeking the trial of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the International Criminal Court (ICC), there is no evidence of any move yet by Bangladesh’s interim government requesting New Delhi for her extradition, reliable sources have told THE WEEK.
“Till now, Dhaka hasn’t sought her extradition although there has been considerable rhetoric on the issue in Bangladesh,” one source said.
Hasina already faces charges of crimes against humanity in the country’s local courts.
Hasina is widely believed to be in India ever since August 5 when she sought refuge in India following widespread protest and violence against her Awami League government.
#WATCH | Delhi: On the situation of minorities in Bangladesh, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "We made our position very clear as far as the situation of Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh is concerned. We have raised this matter with Bangladesh that they must take… pic.twitter.com/p3FhuRDlzE
— ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2024
On Thursday, the former PM had come out with a public statement that was posted on ‘X’ which slammed the Muhammad Yunus-led Interim Government for the arrest of Hindu activist Chinmoy Krishna Das saying that he was “unjustly arrested”.
On Friday, responding to related queries, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, said: “Our position on the matter is clear - the interim government must live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities. We are concerned at the surge of extremist rhetoric, and increasing incidents of violence and provocation. These developments cannot be dismissed only as media exaggeration.”
On the arrest of Bangladeshi leading ISKCON activist Chinmoy Krishna Das, the spokesperson said: “As far as cases against individuals are concerned, we have noted that legal processes are underway. We expect that these processes will deal with the case in a just, fair and transparent manner, ensuring full respect for the legal rights of all concerned.”
#WATCH | Delhi: On the Adani indictment issue, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "This is a legal matter involving private firms and individuals and the US Department of Justice. There are established procedures and legal avenues in such cases which we believe would be… pic.twitter.com/w8CCLqU660
— ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2024
On the Adani issue that has snowballed into a controversy, Jaiswal said that the US authorities had not shared prior information on the case with New Delhi.
“This is a legal matter involving private firms and individuals and the US Department of Justice. There are established procedures and legal avenues in such cases which we believe would be followed. The Government of India was not informed in advance on the issue,” he said.
The US Department of Justice and the US Securities and Exchange Commission had made allegations of bribery and corruption against the Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani and two other top company executives, a charge that has been vehemently denied by the company which has termed the charges as “incorrect”.
Nor have there been any US requests for information on the case till now.
“Any request by a foreign government for service of summons/arrest warrant is part of mutual legal assistance. Such requests are examined on merits. We have not received any request on this case from the US side,” the spokesperson added.
