No Positive Response from India on Sheikh Hasina’s Extradition, Says Foreign Adviser

Foreign Adviser of the interim government, Md. Touhid Hossain, has reiterated that Bangladesh has formally requested India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, but no positive response has been received from Delhi.

Speaking at a seminar titled ‘July Uprising Day 2025’ organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the Foreign Service Academy on Monday (August 4) afternoon, he shared these remarks.

He stated, “There is no new information on this. Bangladesh has sought Sheikh Hasina’s extradition from India to face trial. No positive response has been received from India. Bangladesh is waiting.” He further noted that the trial process against Sheikh Hasina has already begun. “Whether someone appears or not, the trial does not stop for them,” he added. When asked about seeking international cooperation to bring back Sheikh Hasina, the Foreign Adviser said, “The government may seek cooperation if it deems necessary. But at this moment, I see no need for it.” Regarding India’s ‘push-in’ of people across the border, Touhid Hossain described it as a deviation from established procedures. He stated that Bangladesh has lodged protests and expressed objections to this practice. He expressed optimism about resolving the issue through diplomatic discussions. When asked about Bangladesh’s policy on India’s ‘push-in,’ Touhid Hossain said, “There is no specific policy on push-in. If any Bangladeshi is illegally residing in India, they can detain them, inform us, and Bangladesh will verify their citizenship and facilitate their return. Push-in is a deviation from this system, and we have raised objections to it.” He added, “We have told India that we have taken back citizens based on the list they provided after verification. Therefore, they should follow that process. It is unfortunate that India is resorting to push-in, and we are protesting this.” When asked what Bangladesh can do in this regard, he responded, “One thing is undeniable—we are not going to war over this. The only option left is diplomatic discussions, which we are pursuing. Success has not come yet, but we hope it will eventually.”

On the topic of Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s upcoming visit to Malaysia and the possibility of signing a labor-related agreement, Touhid Hossain said, “It is difficult to say now whether an agreement will be signed. However, I am optimistic that Bangladesh will be able to address many concerns.”