Bangladesh demands India return ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

In December 2024, Bangladesh's interim government made a formal request to India for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been residing in New Delhi since her ousting on August 5, 2024. This request followed a violent uprising that was initiated by student-led protests against public sector job quotas, which resulted in the deaths of over 750 people and left thousands injured. The protests escalated into significant unrest, ultimately leading to Hasina's removal from power after a 15-year rule marked by authoritarian governance. The violence was described as some of the deadliest in Bangladesh's history, highlighting systemic issues within the political landscape. Following the protests, Hasina fled to India, prompting the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, to seek her return for a judicial process facing serious allegations of crimes against humanity related to the violent unrest during her tenure. The request was communicated through a diplomatic note, referred to as a note verbale, emphasizing the Bangladeshi authorities' intention to bring Hasina back for trial. The situation has strained relationships between India and Bangladesh, especially given India's concerns over the treatment of minorities amidst the unrest. The extradition request and the establishment of an existing treaty between the two nations have raised complex legal and political questions, signaling a tumultuous phase in Bangladesh's governance and international relations.