'We requested several times the extradition of Hasina'

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said that Bangladesh has repeatedly requested the extradition of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina under an existing treaty with a neighbouring country.

He said this on Sunday amid social media speculation that the Awami League president could return to the country in December.

'The government had sent several formal requests through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeking Hasina’s return, the minister added.

“We have also heard discussions on social media that Sheikh Hasina wants to return to Bangladesh in December. We have sent several requests to our neighbouring country through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the extradition treaty to bring her back.''

The minister did not confirm whether Hasina would return in December.

Asked about the government’s preparations in response to the reported possibility of Hasina’s return, Salahuddin Ahmed said forces associated with the previous administration had repeatedly attempted to create instability in Bangladesh.

He said the government would not allow any group to exploit the situation to disrupt public order.

“We will not allow anyone to create instability in Bangladesh--not any hostile force, remnants of the previous regime, fascists, fugitive criminals or perpetrators of mass killings.''

The minister alleged that elements linked to the former ruling establishment were seeking to exploit political uncertainty for their own purposes.

He reiterated that the government’s position on Hasina’s extradition remained unchanged.

His remarks instead focused on the government’s extradition requests and its stated commitment to preventing political unrest.