Hasina’s extradition will be resolved according to law: Jaiswal
Spokesperson of India’s Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal has described the application for a new passport and national identity card (NID) by ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina as part of her preparation to return to Bangladesh and the issue of her extradition as technical and legal matters.
At the same time New Delhi has advised contacting the Bangladesh High Commission in this regard.
On Wednesday a journalist asked Randhir Jaiswal of India’s Ministry of External Affairs whether reports had emerged that Bangladesh rejected Sheikh Hasina’s application for a passport and national identity card even though she applied for them.
The journalist also wanted to know whether there is scope for discussion on the matter at a possible consular services-related meeting between the two countries. In reply Jaiswal said, “This is a legal matter and it will be resolved accordingly.”
Earlier Sheikh Hasina applied for a new passport and national identity card (NID) as part of her preparation to return to Bangladesh.
Her lawyers sent a letter in this regard to the Bangladesh Embassy in Delhi last Monday. This application of hers is being seen as the clearest step in implementing the plan to return to Bangladesh. These details have been known quoting the letter that came into the hands of news agency Reuters.
When asked about the application for a new passport and NID for the extradition of Sheikh Hasina at this weekly briefing, Randhir Jaiswal said, “Naturally, people need travel-related documents for travel. As far as I understand, the matter is also like that. However, this is a technical matter.”
However, when asked whether India can play any role in discussions or understanding with Bangladesh if she wants to return to her own country as a Bangladeshi citizen, Jaiswal said, “The question should mainly be asked to the Bangladesh High Commission. They are the most appropriate authority to inform what their political position is in this regard.”
Besides, when asked about the latest discussion between New Delhi and Dhaka on the request for the extradition of Sheikh Hasina, Jaiswal said, “I have said this earlier in this context. I am saying again, this is a legal matter and it will be resolved accordingly.”
Incidentally, her long rule ended in the student-people’s uprising in 2024. After the interim government the BNP government has also sent formal letters to India in several phases seeking the return of Sheikh Hasina. This time she is planning to return to the country in December. However, as the activities of Hasina’s party Awami League remain banned, the issue of her return to the country may create new political and legal tensions.
Source: Bangladesh Views