India Will Attempt to Avoid Returning Sheikh Hasina: Law Advisor

Dhaka: The Law Advisor Professor Asif Nazrul has expressed doubts over whether India will return former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in response to Bangladesh's request. He stated that, based on India's current stance, it appears that they will try to avoid returning Sheikh Hasina by citing various excuses.
Professor Nazrul made these remarks during a press briefing on Tuesday afternoon at the Secretariat, where he addressed several issues, including the progress of trials related to the killings that took place in July and August.
The Law Advisor pointed out, "According to the Bangladesh-India extradition treaty, Sheikh Hasina should be returned. Our law (International Crimes Tribunal Law) has provisions for prosecuting fugitives, including in cases of general murder. We are making every effort to bring her back. However, India's current approach suggests that they may try to reject the request on various grounds."
He further added, "By sheltering Sheikh Hasina, India is allowing her to make defamatory, provocative, and misleading statements about Bangladesh, which is attempting to destabilize the situation here. It seems they are not genuinely interested in fully implementing the extradition treaty. Nevertheless, we will continue to press our demand."
In the press briefing, the Legal Advisor also discussed the progress of trials related to the killings in July and August. He expressed hope that the International Crimes Tribunal would deliver verdicts in three to four cases by October.