‘Efforts on to bring Hasina back’

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Thursday said Bangladesh is continuing diplomatic efforts to bring ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina back to the country to face trial.

Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she said there was no shortage of diplomatic initiatives, although the process would take time.
“What she is saying is not relevant at all. Our efforts are underway to bring her back,” Shama said.

The state minister said the home and law ministries would examine whether there are any legal complexities in the extradition process.

She said the foreign, home and law ministries have been working on the issue
afresh since the formation of the new government in February, although the initial process began during the interim government.

“The people of Bangladesh want former prime minister Sheikh Hasina extradited,” she said.

India said on April 17 that it was examining Dhaka’s request for Hasina’s extradition as part of its judicial and internal legal process.

On April 8, Bangladesh again sought the extradition of Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who have been sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal.

Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir earlier said Bangladesh would continue to seek Hasina’s extradition through a transparent judicial process.