New Delhi is currently examining a request from Bangladesh for the extradition of the country’s former prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, according to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. The request was first submitted in December of last year and was reiterated this month following Hasina’s sentencing to death in Bangladesh over her alleged role in the killing of student protesters. An Indian foreign ministry spokesperson said the request is under review as part of ongoing judicial and legal processes within India.
Sheikh Hasina had fled to India in August of last year amid widespread protests in Bangladesh. The political unrest erupted after demonstrations against her government intensified, eventually leading to charges related to the deaths of student protesters. Indian authorities are now carefully considering the extradition plea while adhering to legal and diplomatic protocols.
Meanwhile, Bangladeshi anti-corruption authorities announced that they had recovered approximately 10 kilograms of gold, valued at around $1.3 million, from bank lockers belonging to the former prime minister. Officials from the National Board of Revenue said the discovery was made after opening lockers that had been seized in September following a court order.
A senior official confirmed that the haul, totaling about 9.7 kilograms of gold, included coins, bars, and jewelry. Investigators stated that Hasina had failed to deposit certain gifts she received while in office into the state treasury, known locally as Toshakhana, as required under Bangladeshi law.
The revenue board is also examining allegations of tax evasion and is investigating whether Sheikh Hasina had declared the recovered gold in her official tax filings. Authorities have indicated that the inquiry is ongoing and could lead to further legal action depending on the findings.
The developments come amid growing political tension between Bangladesh and India, with the extradition request and gold seizure adding layers of complexity to the diplomatic relationship between the two neighboring countries.
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