India has extended the visa of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, reports quoting Indian diplomatic sources said. The development comes hours after Bangladesh's new interim government revoked Hasina's passport, along with 96 others, citing their alleged involvement in the July unrest and enforced disappearance of many protestors.
Two days ago, Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) issued an arrest warrant for Hasina's extradition from India and directed her to appear before the tribunal by February 12. The new interim government had also sent a request for extradition of Hasina. Major General Fazlur Rahman, the chairman of the country's National Independent Commission of Inquiry, also added that if India does not extradite Sheikh Hasina, the Commission was willing to go to India and interrogate her.
However, India views this as a pressure tactic employed by Dhaka and the extension of her visa was carried out in this context, according to a report that appeared in Bengali newspaper Aanadbazar Patrika. The Ministry of External Affairs gave the green light for the visa extension after which the matter was carried out via the local Foreigners Regional Registration Office.
However, Hasina will likely not be officially granted 'political asylum' in India as there are no specific laws in this regard in India.
About the extradition request, diplomatic sources in Delhi said the issue was more legal than diplomatic. Foreign Ministry sources told Aanadbazar Patrika that if an interim government seeks the extradition of a political leader from the permanent government of another country, it is necessary to look into all the legal aspects, which may take months. This was cited as the reason to extend Hasina's visa.
The diplomatic message (note verbale) sent by Bangladesh seeking Hasina's return will definitely be answered 'in due time', the sources added, hinting that they will not rush to answer the request.
That Dhaka's extradition request came only as a 'note verbale' has been cited as another reason for India's delaying response. The interim government has not yet completed all the formalities in view of this demand and this might take some time.
