Dhaka reiterates extradition request for Hasina, Asaduzzaman in Delhi talks

Bangladesh has reiterated its request to extradite former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal during high-level talks in New Delhi.

The issue was raised by Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman in meetings with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

Hasina and Kamal have been awarded the death penalty by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal.

Khalilur was accompanied by the Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir and Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah during the meetings.

The delegation also held talks with India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval following their arrival in the Indian capital.

During the discussions, both sides stressed the importance of advancing bilateral relations across multiple areas and exchanged views on key regional and global issues.

Khalilur said the newly elected BNP government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, would pursue a “Bangladesh First” foreign policy based on mutual trust, respect and reciprocal benefit.

He also thanked the Indian government for apprehending suspects linked to the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Mancha.

Both sides agreed that the arrested individuals would be returned to Bangladesh in line with the existing extradition treaty.

On visa issues, Jaishankar said India would ease visa procedures for Bangladeshis, particularly for medical and business travel, in the coming weeks.

During his meeting with Puri, Khalilur expressed appreciation for India’s recent diesel supply to Bangladesh and requested an increase in diesel and fertiliser exports.

The Indian minister said the request would be considered favourably.

The two sides also agreed to continue consultations on key bilateral issues, signalling efforts to strengthen cooperation between Bangladesh and India.