DHAKA, Bangladesh – In a significant diplomatic move, Bangladesh has officially requested India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who sought refuge in New Delhi in August following widespread student-led demonstrations that resulted in her removal from power after 15 years. This announcement was made by Bangladesh’s foreign affairs adviser on Monday.

Md Touhid Hossain disclosed to the media in Dhaka that a formal diplomatic note has been sent to the Foreign Ministry of India, stating, “We have informed India about our request to bring her back for the judicial process.” However, he did not elaborate on the specifics of the case.

The Indian Foreign Ministry acknowledged receipt of the request from Bangladesh but has yet to release a detailed response regarding the matter.

Hasina’s flight to India came in the wake of a mass uprising during July and August, which resulted in an alarming death toll, with authorities estimating over 750 casualties and thousands injured. She is currently facing numerous legal challenges related to these events, including accusations of crimes against humanity.

The International Crimes Tribunal, based in Dhaka, has taken steps to issue arrest warrants for Hasina and several of her associates, while the Bangladeshi government has reached out to Interpol for assistance in her apprehension.

Last month, Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Prize winner and the country’s interim leader, announced that his administration would actively pursue Hasina’s extradition.

In addition, the interim government vowed to prosecute Hasina and her former officials for alleged involvement in crimes during the uprising that led to her ousting. They also extended an invitation to the United Nations to assist in investigating the violence and fatalities that occurred.

Hasina, for her part, has called for an investigation into the events, suggesting that the violence may have involved individuals beyond just the security forces.