Dhaka pursuing extradition of convicted AL leaders: Shama

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has said the government would take all necessary legal and diplomatic measures to bring back convicted Awami League leaders currently staying abroad.

“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,” she told reporters at the foreign ministry today.

Shama said the government would initiate the required diplomatic process after officially receiving the yesterday’s verdict and other relevant documents concerning the seven individuals 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.

The state minister said efforts were already underway under the existing extradition treaty to bring back former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and others wanted by Bangladesh.

Official correspondence was being exchanged between Bangladesh and India in this regard, she added.

Responding to a question about the extradition of Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and former home minister Kamal, Shama said Dhaka 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.

The state minister affirmed that the government would continue its efforts until those convicted and wanted by Bangladesh were brought back to face justice.

Asked about reported delays in India’s approval of Bangladesh’s incoming high commissioner, Shama urged the media not to rely on speculative reports.

She requested journalists to wait for an official statement or concrete information from either the Bangladesh foreign ministry or the Indian government.