Dhaka (Web Desk): Bangladesh has formally requested India to return former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to New Delhi in August, for legal proceedings in the country.
The Bangladesh government issued a diplomatic note to India, urging that Hasina, along with her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and niece Tulip Siddiq, be brought back to face judicial scrutiny over serious allegations of financial misconduct.
The charges primarily revolve around the controversial Rooppur nuclear power plant project, which is largely funded by a Russian loan.
The allegations against Hasina and her family include embezzling billions of dollars from the project, which is meant to be Bangladesh’s first nuclear plant.
Investigators claim that the money was funneled into offshore accounts in Malaysia and that there were suspiciously inflated procurement deals related to the plant's construction.
These allegations have raised concerns about the potential for kickbacks, mismanagement, and money laundering on a grand scale.
In addition to the nuclear plant allegations, the inquiry also touches on claims of corruption linked to a government housing initiative for the homeless.
The investigations were prompted by a writ petition filed by Bobby Hajjaj, a political opponent of Hasina, who leads the Nationalist Democratic Movement party.
He has called for the matter to be investigated thoroughly in Bangladesh’s courts.
The issue has sparked significant political tension within the country. Sheikh Hasina, who has been in power for several terms, caused outrage when she fled Bangladesh in August.
Many of her opponents are demanding that she face trial for what they describe as her involvement in mass political violence, with some referring to it as "mass murder."
Tulip Siddiq, a member of the UK Parliament, has denied any involvement in the alleged embezzlement, with the British Prime Minister’s office backing her statement.
Meanwhile, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, believed to be living in the United States (US), has not publicly responded to the claims.
Bangladesh’s government continues to press India to take action on the extradition request, but it remains uncertain whether New Delhi will comply.
The situation is rapidly evolving, with both countries likely to face diplomatic challenges in the coming weeks.
