Extradition sought for Hasina, Benazir, Hadi murder suspects

Bangladesh has stepped up its efforts to secure the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed and the suspects in the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi.

Both the Home Ministry and Foreign Ministry are expressing hope that India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) would respond promptly through diplomatic and legal channels.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam in their respective ministries made the remarks while speaking to journalists on Thursday.

Addressing reporters at the Secretariat, Salahuddin said the government had completed all legal formalities required for the extradition of former IGP Benazir Ahmed from the UAE and three suspects, including prime accused Faisal Karim Masud, from India in connection with the Sharif Osman Hadi murder case.

“We have done everything required under the law to secure the extradition of former IGP Benazir Ahmed from the UAE and the three suspects in the Hadi murder case from India. We hope to receive a response from both governments soon,” he said.

The home minister said Benazir Ahmed had been arrested in the UAE following an Interpol Red Notice.

He said the government submitted all necessary extradition documents within three days at the request of the UAE authorities, despite being given a 30 day deadline.

On the Hadi murder case, Salahuddin said all required documents had also been sent to the Indian authorities.

He noted that the three suspects are currently facing trial in India on charges of illegal border infiltration, which could delay the extradition process.

However, he added that under the Bangladesh India extradition treaty, they could still be handed over to Bangladesh while the Indian legal proceedings continue.

Separately, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said that the government expects India’s political and diplomatic cooperation in returning Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives facing trial.

“We hope India will respond to our repeated communications and facilitate the return of Sheikh Hasina and other accused persons through diplomatic channels,” she told journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

She stressed that the issue should not undermine bilateral ties. “I do not think the Sheikh Hasina issue will disrupt Bangladesh India relations.

The relationship will remain intact because ties between two countries are multidimensional. Dialogue and exchanges will continue,” she said.

Referring to the victims of last July’s mass uprising, the state minister said justice was essential for their families.

“The family members of the victims want to see those responsible brought to justice. The government is sincerely trying to expedite the entire process,” she said.

Responding to a question on Sheikh Hasina’s possible return, Shama Obaed said the former prime minister no longer has the legal option of surrendering because she has already been convicted.

“Since the sentence has already been delivered, there is no legal scope for surrender. Whenever she returns to Bangladesh, she will be arrested in accordance with the law,” she said.

The state minister said the government had already initiated communication under the extradition treaty with India and that the return of Sheikh Hasina and the Hadi murder suspects would have to follow both the legal procedures and diplomatic norms.

On whether Sheikh Hasina would require travel documents to return, Shama said the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Home Ministry but acknowledged that India would have an important role in facilitating the process.

“If India expedites the extradition process under the treaty and accelerates the diplomatic channel, the necessary travel documents can be arranged.

A travel document with the person’s identity is sufficient for travelling from one country to another, and it may be issued either by India or Bangladesh,” she said.

He added that preparations were underway for local government elections, which are expected to be held between September and October.

He said the government was working to improve the law and order situation according to public expectations.