Kathmandu— During a meeting in Dhaka on Monday, Bangladesh formally expressed its hope that India will expedite the extradition process of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was removed from power in 2024 following student-led protests. The request came during a courtesy call paid by newly appointed Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister's Office. Discussions also included Dhaka’s reiteration of a previous request for the return of individuals accused in the 2025 murder of Shahid Osman Hadi, a key figure in July unrest.

Diplomatic Tensions and Extradition Request

The meeting between Trivedi and Rahman is significant given recent diplomatic tensions stemming from public remarks made by Sheikh Hasina while in India. Hasina has been residing in India since her ouster, and recently addressed the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia in New Delhi on August 5, marking two years since the 2024 uprising that led to her removal from office. Bangladesh expressed its protest over these statements, citing their impact on public sentiment and potential complications for bilateral cooperation.

Allegations of Murder and Prior Requests

Alongside the request for Hasina’s extradition, Bangladesh also reiterated a previous appeal to India regarding individuals allegedly involved in the murder of Shahid Osman Hadi. Hadi was killed at close range on December 12, 2025, and Dhaka seeks their return from India to face justice. This request highlights ongoing security concerns and unresolved issues between the two nations.

Bilateral Relations and Future Cooperation

Prime Minister Rahman emphasized the importance of fostering a conducive environment for strengthening relations between Bangladesh and India during the meeting. Both sides discussed key bilateral issues, signaling a desire to move forward despite recent disagreements. The Indian High Commissioner shared his experiences serving in Dhaka over the past two months, indicating an effort to build rapport and facilitate dialogue.

The discussions represent a step towards addressing outstanding issues between Bangladesh and India, though the timeline for resolving the extradition request remains uncertain.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.