Bangladesh Plans to Execute Former Leader Sheikh Hasina,But Extradition Treaty Complicates Process
DHAKA,Bangladesh – Bangladesh intends to execute former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina following a conviction on corruption charges,but the process is complex by an existing extradition treaty with India,according to a statement released by the Bangladeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Hasina, whose Awami League party has been banned, was sentenced to death, setting a tense stage ahead of planned elections in February.
The case underscores Bangladesh’s deeply polarized political landscape and raises questions about the nation’s path forward.India’s role is pivotal, as the bilateral extradition treaty stipulates procedures for handling citizens of one country convicted of crimes in the other. “This is India’s duty in keeping with the existing bilateral extradition treaty between both countries,” the ministry said.The Awami League’s absence from the political field opens opportunities for its rival, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, and other parties, though experts caution that resolving the country’s divisions will be a significant challenge.
Hasina’s conviction and the ban on the Awami League leave the interim government, led by Nobel peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, with the “monumental task of steering the nation out of its deeply polarized political culture.” Political scientist Hasan noted, ”Bangladesh is far from reconciliation at this stage.” He also suggested the Awami League may attempt a political resurgence, though likely under new leadership.
The outcome of this situation - weather Hasina’s fate signals an end to a period of political toxicity or merely the start of a new era of instability – remains uncertain.
