Jamaat 'expects' India to revise stance, hand over Hasina to Bangladesh

Protesting India’s “undiplomatic conduct” toward Bangladesh by allowing fugitive former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was sentenced to death, to hold a press conference in New Delhi, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Friday expressed optimism that the Indian government will revise its stance and hand over Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh.

“We expect that India will change its stance and hand over convicted Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh,” said Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar in a statement.

He said Bangladesh is committed to maintaining diplomatic relations based on equal and mutual respect with all countries, including neighbouring India, while safeguarding bilateral interests. Bangladesh respects the independence and sovereignty of all countries, he added.

“Allowing a convicted fugitive like Sheikh Hasina to remain engaged in conspiracy against the people of Bangladesh from Delhi by ignoring Bangladesh’s diplomatic calls to stop the conspiracy, is a gross violation of international norms and diplomatic etiquette (by the Indian government). We strongly condemn and protest such diplomatic conduct by the Indian government,” he said.

Parwar said the “fascist government” led by Sheikh Hasina subjected Bangladeshis to severe repression, killings and enforced disappearances for more than 16 years.

He said her government carried out a “mass killing” during the 2024 July Mass Uprising, leaving some 1,500 people dead and more than 30,000 injured.

Parwar said the interim government had repeatedly sought Hasina’s extradition, but Delhi continued to shelter, ignoring the requests.

“By ignoring Bangladesh’s calls and sheltering fugitive Sheikh Hasina, the Indian government appears to be supporting the activities of the banned Awami League instead of Bangladesh,” he said, adding that India ignores the extradition treaty between the two countries.

The Jamaat leader said the current government had failed to bring Hasina back despite the second anniversary of the July mass uprising being observed.

“As a result, fugitive Sheikh Hasina is getting scope to conspire against the country and its people from abroad,” he said.

He urged the government to take effective steps to bring her back, including seeking an Interpol red notice and assistance from the United Nations.

“If the government shows diplomatic laxity, it will have to face strict accountability before the people,” he said.