The extradition treaty between India and Bangladesh was signed in 2013 and amended in 2016. This treaty facilitates the extradition of fugitives and criminals between the two neighboring countries. It specifically addresses crimes that threaten national security, including insurgency and terrorism, ensuring that individuals involved in such activities can be extradited to face charges in the nation where the crime occurred.
Several important provisions characterize this treaty. One of the core principles is dual criminality, meaning that the crime for which extradition is sought must be recognized as punishable in both India and Bangladesh. The treaty mandates extradition for offenses that carry a minimum punishment of one year in prison, encompassing serious crimes such as murder, terrorism, and kidnapping. Notably, the 2016 amendment streamlined the process by allowing extradition requests based solely on an arrest warrant issued by a competent court.
Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, faces critical charges, including murder, enforced disappearance, and genocide. These serious allegations place her in a challenging legal position regarding extradition, particularly given the severity and nature of these claims.
According to the treaty, India retains the right to refuse extradition if the offense is deemed to be of a political nature or if the extradition request is not made in good faith. Although political crimes are generally excluded from the treaty, India might assert that the charges against Hasina are politically motivated or lack good faith pursuit, which could justify a refusal to extradite.
The decision to extradite Hasina could complicate India’s relationships with certain political factions in Bangladesh that view her as an ally. This could potentially impact India’s strategic interests in the region. Conversely, refusing to extradite could be seen as a diplomatic snub to Bangladesh's interim government, thus affecting bilateral relations. India must carefully evaluate these complex geopolitical factors alongside its legal obligations under the treaty.
India's decision regarding the extradition of Sheikh Hasina will require a meticulous assessment of legal, diplomatic, and geopolitical factors. This situation highlights the delicate balance nations must maintain between adhering to international legal commitments and safeguarding national interests.
Q1. What is the India-Bangladesh extradition treaty about?
Answer: The India-Bangladesh extradition treaty facilitates the extradition of fugitives between the two countries, focusing on crimes threatening national security.
Q2. What key provisions exist in this extradition treaty?
Answer: Key provisions include dual criminality and mandatory extradition for crimes punishable by at least one year in prison, covering serious offenses like terrorism and murder.
Q3. What charges does Sheikh Hasina face that affect her extradition?
Answer: Sheikh Hasina faces grave charges, including murder and genocide, complicating her extradition due to their serious nature and legal implications.
Q4. Can India deny extradition based on political grounds?
Answer: Yes, India can deny extradition if the offense is political in nature or if the request is not made in good faith, as outlined in the treaty.
Q5. What are the diplomatic consequences of extraditing Hasina?
Answer: Extraditing Hasina could strain relations with her supporters in Bangladesh, while refusing could be seen as a diplomatic setback to the interim government.
Question 1: What does the India-Bangladesh extradition treaty primarily address?
A) Trade agreements
B) Criminal extradition
C) Immigration policies
D) Cultural exchanges
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: What is a key requirement for extradition under the treaty?
A) The crime must involve financial fraud
B) The crime must be acknowledged in both countries
C) The accused must be a citizen of India
D) The extradition must be requested by the public
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What type of crimes are covered under the extradition treaty?
A) Only financial crimes
B) Only minor offenses
C) Serious offenses like murder and terrorism
D) Crimes related to environmental issues
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: Can India refuse extradition based on the nature of the charges?
A) Yes, if charges are deemed political
B) No, extradition is mandatory
C) Only if the charges are minor
D) Yes, but only in certain cases
Correct Answer: A
Question 5: What could be a consequence of extraditing Sheikh Hasina for India?
A) Strengthened relations with Bangladesh
B) Strain with political factions supporting Hasina
C) Increased trade agreements
D) Enhanced military cooperation
Correct Answer: B
Kutos : AI Assistant!
