State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam stated on Sunday that Bangladesh expects India to expedite the ongoing extradition process to return accused individuals, including convicted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, as swiftly as possible. She emphasized that political intent is just as important as legal procedures in achieving this goal.
Reacting to remarks made by Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi, an official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told reporters that while legal procedures must be respected, political intent is equally crucial. She added that the government expects the Indian government to expedite the ongoing extradition process to bring back the accused individuals as swiftly as possible.
Shama stated that it is entirely possible to extradite the accused under the framework of the extradition treaty, adding that the legal process is actively being pursued.
Speaking on Saturday, Trivedi stated that the government of India, through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, has repeatedly provided a straightforward response, explaining that a well-structured and legal process is in place. "So, as far as that is concerned, the process is on," Trivedi added.
Because the courts are involved in the matter, “nobody can give you a timeframe,” he stated during a discussion entitled “Power and Prudence: Managing Great-Power Competition without Conflict.” The session was held in Dhaka as part of the ongoing Bay of Bengal Conversation.
The Indian High Commissioner emphasized the necessity of continuous dialogue, mutual respect, and trust between the two countries to resolve bilateral issues, stating that every matter between the neighboring nations has a solution.
“There’s no point hiding the issues, and there’s no point not talking about the issues,” he said.
Trivedi, addressing a few questions, stated that the two nations must address all outstanding issues—including water, trade, culture, sports, communication, and transportation—through the appropriate forums.
“In a democracy, the dialogue has to be there at the proper forum. And the dialogue has to be a continuous dialogue,” he said, noting that the process of engagement between the two countries may be slow, but it has not stopped.
“I can guarantee you, there is no stoppage of process. The process is ongoing,” Trivedi said. “Believe me, there has to be a solution, and there will be a solution,” the Indian diplomat added.
Why it matters
The extradition of a former head of state is a highly sensitive diplomatic and legal issue that directly tests the bilateral trust and legal cooperation between Bangladesh and India.