Dhaka: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam announced on Wednesday that Bangladesh is committed to utilizing all legal and diplomatic avenues to extradite convicted fugitives from India, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and those recently sentenced to death.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the Foreign Ministry is prepared to begin the necessary procedures with the Indian government once all pertinent documents related to a recent verdict are received. This follows the International Crimes Tribunal's sentencing of seven individuals, including Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, to death for their involvement in the July 2024 mass uprising through incitement and violence.
Shama emphasized that the Foreign Ministry is actively engaging in efforts to extradite these individuals under existing laws and an extradition treaty with India. The focus is on the former home minister, former prime minister, and others implicated in the killing of martyr Hadi, who are currently in India. She noted that official correspondence is already underway.
The State Minister assured that the government will pursue all necessary legal measures to ensure the return of the accused to face justice in Bangladesh. She acknowledged that diplomatic communications with India are ongoing, though no definitive response has been received regarding the extradition of former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.
Indian media reports suggest that India has yet to approve Bangladesh's appointment of Asad Alam Siam as the new High Commissioner to New Delhi, despite the initiation of new diplomatic postings by Dhaka in July. Shama cautioned against media speculation without official confirmations from either government.
In an inter-ministerial meeting addressing issues related to Bangladeshis traveling abroad with false documents, Shama highlighted the government's efforts to streamline the migration process. Since the Bangladesh Nationalist Party assumed governance, steps have been taken to consolidate the migration process, including the establishment of a dedicated Migration Wing within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.