India’s Ministry of External Affairs has responded to the conviction of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, issuing a cautious statement that avoided directly addressing Bangladesh’s request for her extradition.
“We have noted the verdict announced by the ‘International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh’ concerning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,” the statement said.
“As a close neighbour, India remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country. We will always engage constructively with all stakeholders to that end,” it added.
However, the ministry stopped short of commenting on Dhaka’s formal request to hand over Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, who were both sentenced to death earlier on Monday.