Dhaka writes to Delhi seeking Asaduzzaman's extradition: Shama Obaed

Highlights:

• Request sent through diplomatic channels, says Shama Obaed.
• Bangladesh hopes for a positive response from India.
• Efforts to extradite Sheikh Hasina are also ongoing.
• Govt says all convicted fugitives abroad will face legal action.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today (20 July) said Bangladesh has sought the extradition of former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, noting that a letter was sent to India through diplomatic channels seeking his extradition. 

"Since he is a fugitive, we have given the letter that is required for his return. It has been sent recently, addressing only the former Home Minister," she told reporters while responding to a question after attending a seminar in the city.

The state minister said it is an ongoing process, and people wish to see the court orders implemented against those who have been convicted and are fugitives, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

She said the government wants a fair trial, and feedback on Dhaka's extradition request depends on India.

"We will wait. We expect India will reply and will play its role in strengthening the relations between the two countries," Shama Obaed said.

Responding to a question, she said that normally extradition request letters are sent separately and that they are sending letters for all individuals who remain fugitives.

The state minister on Thursday (16 July) said former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, currently staying in India, would be arrested whenever she comes to Bangladesh.

"Since she has been convicted, there is no scope for surrender. Whenever she comes to Bangladesh, she will be arrested. It will be done in accordance with the law," she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noting that efforts are continuing to secure her extradition to Bangladesh.

The state minister said the people of Bangladesh want court orders to be implemented against those living abroad. She said the law minister and the home minister had already explained the legal aspects.

"If she surrenders, the existing law will be followed. She will have to go to jail. The law will take its own course," Shama Obaed told reporters today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

She said Hasina's recent remarks from abroad appeared intended to encourage Awami League leaders and activists who have either gone into hiding or fled the country. "I see no other reason," she said.

Bangladesh has formally requested India to extradite Hasina under the bilateral extradition treaty. 

Bangladesh is making sustained diplomatic efforts to bring Hasina back to face trial while acknowledging that the extradition process takes time.

Three ministries, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have been pursuing the matter since the new government assumed office in February, building on efforts initiated under the interim government.

The government believes the people of Bangladesh want Hasina to be extradited.

On 8 April, Bangladesh renewed its request for the extradition of Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both of whom have been sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal.

"We will continue to seek her extradition through a transparent judicial process. It has been discussed and will be dealt with through a transparent judicial process," Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir told reporters in Dhaka.