Dhaka: Protesting India’s ‘undiplomatic conduct’ toward Bangladesh by allowing fugitive former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was sentenced to death, to hold a press conference in New Delhi, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Friday expressed optimism that the Indian government will revise its stance and hand over Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh.

According to United News of Bangladesh, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar stated, “We expect that India will change its stance and hand over convicted Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh.” He emphasized Bangladesh’s commitment to maintaining diplomatic relations based on equal and mutual respect with all countries, including neighboring India, while safeguarding bilateral interests. Parwar reiterated Bangladesh’s respect for the independence and sovereignty of all nations.

Parwar criticized India’s actions, stating, “Allowing a convicted fugitive like Sheikh Hasina to remain engaged in conspiracy against the people of Bangladesh from Delhi by ignoring Bangladesh’s diplomatic calls to stop the conspiracy, is a gross violation of international norms and diplomatic etiquette (by the Indian government). We strongly condemn and protest such diplomatic conduct by the Indian government.”

He accused the government led by Sheikh Hasina of subjecting Bangladeshis to severe repression, killings, and enforced disappearances for over 16 years, highlighting the ‘mass killing’ during the 2024 July Mass Uprising, which resulted in approximately 1,500 deaths and over 30,000 injuries.

Parwar noted that the interim government had repeatedly sought Hasina’s extradition, but Delhi continued to provide shelter, ignoring these requests. He remarked, “By ignoring Bangladesh’s calls and sheltering fugitive Sheikh Hasina, the Indian government appears to be supporting the activities of the banned Awami League instead of Bangladesh,” and accused India of disregarding the extradition treaty between the two countries.

The Jamaat leader pointed out the government’s failure to bring Hasina back despite the second anniversary of the July mass uprising being observed. He warned that this allowed Hasina to conspire against Bangladesh from abroad.

He urged the government to take effective steps to bring her back, including seeking an Interpol red notice and assistance from the United Nations. Parwar concluded by warning, “If the government shows diplomatic laxity, it will have to face strict accountability before the people.”