Dhaka: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has announced that the government is determined to employ all legal and diplomatic channels to extradite convicted Awami League leaders currently residing abroad. 'We are taking, and will continue to take, all necessary steps under existing laws to extradite convicted criminals, including the former prime minister of the fascist government and those sentenced yesterday,' she told reporters at the foreign ministry today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Shama stated that the government would initiate the diplomatic process after officially receiving the verdict and other relevant documents concerning the seven individuals reportedly convicted over the July killings. 'Once we officially receive all the necessary documents, we will contact the Indian government through due process and take whatever steps are required,' she added.
Efforts are already underway under the existing extradition treaty to bring back former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and others wanted by Bangladesh. Official correspondence between Bangladesh and India is ongoing, Shama explained.
When asked about the extradition of Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and former home minister Kamal, Shama noted that Dhaka had yet to receive a definitive response from New Delhi. 'Diplomatic communication is continuing. We understand that India may have its own internal legal procedures, which it is following,' she said.
The state minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to continue its efforts until those convicted and wanted by Bangladesh are brought back to face justice. Addressing queries about reported delays in India's approval of Bangladesh's incoming high commissioner, Shama urged the media to avoid speculation and wait for official statements from Bangladesh's foreign ministry or the Indian government.