DHAKA: Bangladesh has formally requested India to extradite ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal -- both sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal.
The request was made during a meeting between Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar at Hyderabad House on Wednesday (April 8), according to a statement of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi.
Khalilur also met Indian Oil and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Puri and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. Adviser Humaiun Kobir and Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah were present at the meetings.
Jaishankar announced that Indian visas for Bangladeshis, particularly medical and business visas, would be eased in the coming weeks.
Khalilur requested increased supplies of diesel and fertiliser, with Minister Puri indicating India would consider the request favourably.
The foreign minister thanked India for apprehending suspects in the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, with both sides agreeing the individuals would be returned under the extradition treaty.
Discussions emphasised advancing bilateral relations and regional cooperation.
Khalilur said the newly elected BNP government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would pursue a “Bangladesh first” foreign policy based on mutual trust and reciprocal benefit.
Both sides agreed to hold follow‑on consultations soon and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. - The Daily Star/ANN
