Former SCBA president Adish C Aggarwala has written to the president of Bangladesh’s apex court bar association, seeking information on whether former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has committed any extraditable offense. This inquiry has ignited discussions on the legal and human rights implications involved.
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NEW DELHI: Former Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president and senior advocate Adish C Aggarwala has taken a significant step by writing to the president of the apex court bar association in Bangladesh. In his letter, he seeks crucial information regarding whether the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, has committed any “extraditable offence”. This inquiry has sparked a discussion on the legal and human rights implications surrounding the issue.
Aggarwala’s letter, addressed to A M Mahbub Uddin Khokon, highlights the close professional relationship between the legal communities of India and Bangladesh. He expresses concern over reports suggesting that the Bangladeshi bar association president had urged Indian authorities to arrest Sheikh Hasina and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, and extradite them back to Bangladesh.
“I have seen news reports indicating that, in your role as President of the Supreme Court Bar Association of Bangladesh, you have urged India to arrest former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, and to return them to Bangladesh.”
-Aggarwala writes.
The letter underscores the importance of the 2013 extradition treaty between India and Bangladesh, which stipulates that an “extraditable offence” must exist for such actions to be taken.
Aggarwala points out-
“There are no news reports indicating that Sheikh Hasina and her sister have been charged in any criminal case. However, if you assert that they have been charged with an offence and that the Bangladesh government has submitted an extradition request to India, please provide this information promptly. This will enable us to advocate with the Indian government for their extradition to Bangladesh.”
In addition to addressing the extradition issue, Aggarwala’s letter also brings to light concerns about the safety and treatment of Hindus in Bangladesh amid ongoing turmoil.
He states-
“The bar is a guardian of human rights. There are reports suggesting that during the current unrest in Bangladesh, Hindu homes, businesses, and temples have been targeted, looted, and damaged. I urge you to take measures to ensure that Hindus are not deliberately targeted in Bangladesh.”
Aggarwala’s proactive approach aims to foster transparency and accountability in the legal proceedings related to Sheikh Hasina and to ensure the protection of minority communities in Bangladesh. His letter calls for immediate clarification on whether any formal charges have been filed against Sheikh Hasina and her sister and if any official extradition request has been made by the Bangladeshi government to India.
