‘Dhaka steps up efforts to bring back convicted AL leaders’

The government is working through legal and diplomatic channels to bring back Awami League leaders convicted in Bangladesh and now residing overseas, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has said.
“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 (Tuesday),” Shama told reporters at the foreign ministry on Wednesday.
She said the government would begin the required diplomatic process once it formally receives the verdict and other relevant documents related to the seven people 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 said.
Shama said that Bangladesh was already pursuing the return of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and others wanted by the country under the existing extradition treaty with India.
“Official correspondence is being exchanged between Bangladesh and India in this regard,” she said.
Asked about the extradition of Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and former Home Minister Kamal, the state minister said that Bangladesh 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.
Shama said that Dhaka would continue working through diplomatic and legal channels until those convicted or wanted by Bangladesh were brought back to face justice.
On reports that India had delayed approving Bangladesh’s incoming high commissioner, she urged journalists to avoid relying on speculation.
“We should wait for an official statement or concrete information from either the Bangladesh foreign ministry or the Indian government,” she said.