Hasina’s Son Visits as Extradition Request Looms
Bangladesh Leader Seeks Return of Ex-Premier from India
Amidst strained relations and criminal charges, former Bangladesh Prime Minister **Sheikh Hasina** is receiving a visit from her son, as the current government in Dhaka formally requests her extradition from India. The visit comes as **Hasina** remains in self-imposed exile.
Family Reunion in New Delhi
**Sajeeb Ahmed Wazed**, known as **Joy**, arrived in India ahead of Eid-ul-Adha to spend the holiday with his mother. Sources indicate this is the first visit **Hasina** has received since relocating to a safe house in New Delhi last August following widespread protests that led to the Awami League’s downfall.
**Wazed**, a US citizen and prominent voice for the Awami League, is not expected to participate in any public events during his stay. Details of his itinerary remain undisclosed.
Extradition Request and Rising Tensions
The interim government in Bangladesh, led by Nobel laureate **Muhammad Yunus**, has formally requested India to extradite **Hasina** to face charges in multiple criminal cases. Earlier this month, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal indicted **Hasina** for allegedly ordering a police crackdown on protestors last year, setting a hearing date for June 16.
According to the World Bank, Bangladesh’s GDP growth slowed to 5.6% in fiscal year 2024, down from 7.1% the previous year, reflecting ongoing political and economic instability. World Bank Bangladesh Overview
Deteriorating Diplomatic Relations
Relations between India and Bangladesh’s caretaker administration are reportedly at a low point, with disagreements over Dhaka’s handling of alleged repression against religious minorities. India has yet to publicly respond to the extradition request, leaving the situation in a state of uncertainty.
“**Hasina’s** son is visiting India primarily to celebrate Eid with his mother. He is the first visitor she has received since she arrived in India in August last year,” a person close to the Awami League said.
The future of **Sheikh Hasina** and the political landscape of Bangladesh remain uncertain as the extradition proceedings and diplomatic tensions continue to unfold.