Bangladesh’s interim government, under the leadership of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, has called on India to act with “conscience and moral clarity” regarding its long-standing extradition request for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who faces charges of crimes against humanity.

The statement, released by Yunus’s press secretary Shafiqul Alam and disseminated on social media, referenced international reports and data, including those from the BBC and the United Nations, to highlight allegations of civilian casualties during Hasina’s administration.

“For an extended period, India has declined to fulfill Bangladesh’s legitimate request for the extradition of Sheikh Hasina. This stance is no longer sustainable,” the statement indicated. “India can no longer shield an individual who is credibly accused of crimes against humanity. No regional camaraderie, strategic considerations, or political legacy can justify or obscure the intentional killing of civilians.”

The statement urged India to uphold the common democratic principles it shares with Bangladesh and the UK, adding, “We request that India acknowledge the significance of this moment and honor the shared values of justice, rule of law, and democratic integrity.”

It concluded by asserting that the people of Bangladesh “deserve justice,” the victims “deserve closure,” and the world must recognize that “no leader, regardless of their power, is above the law.”

Additionally, the statement highlighted recent media reports and human rights documentation that have outlined alleged atrocities during Hasina’s rule, including forced disappearances and the suppression of dissent. It called for international solidarity and accountability, stressing that remaining silent in the face of such allegations weakens the credibility of democratic institutions and global human rights standards.