Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, senior joint secretary general of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has categorically stated that former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India following the fall of her government, must be brought back to face justice, not welcomed with flowers. He made it clear that her return and extradition are not the same thing.

Return and extradition are not the same

In a statement on Thursday (November 13), Rizvi said, "Return and extradition are not the same thing." He noted that the ousted prime minister cannot return through the ordinary process. She must be brought back through legal proceedings. Rizvi said the government will pursue Hasina's return through the Bangladesh-India extradition treaty and ongoing legal proceedings.

India's position and BBC report

Meanwhile, a BBC report has stated that India wants Bangladesh to use its military aircraft to take back Sheikh Hasina. According to the report, as cited by New Age, India is willing to have a Bangladesh Air Force plane go and bring her back. However, there was no immediate official reaction from the Bangladesh government regarding this claim.

Legal proceedings continue

Rizvi further stated that multiple cases and investigations are ongoing against Sheikh Hasina in the country. Her trial process has begun on charges of genocide, crimes against humanity, and corruption. In this context, bringing her back is considered by analysts to be a significant legal and diplomatic step for the government. Under the Bangladesh-India extradition treaty, there is scope for discussion between the two countries regarding the return of an accused person.

Political context

Following the fall of the Awami League government in the student-people's uprising on August 5, Sheikh Hasina took refuge in New Delhi, India. Numerous movements and human chains have been held across the country demanding her extradition. A large section of BNP, other political parties, and civil society have been vocal in demanding that Sheikh Hasina be brought back and tried. Observers believe Rizvi's statement echoes that demand.