Bangladesh has formally requested India to extradite former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said on Monday.
She said a letter seeking his extradition was sent to India recently through diplomatic channels.
Alongside the request, Bangladesh also provided India with a copy of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) verdict that sentenced the former home minister to death in a case related to crimes against humanity committed during the July Mass Uprising.
“Since he is a fugitive, we have sent the necessary letter for his return. The letter was sent recently, and it concerns only the former home minister,” Shama Obaed told reporters after attending a seminar in Dhaka.
The state minister said the extradition request is part of an ongoing process to ensure implementation of court verdicts against individuals convicted in Bangladesh but currently staying abroad.
She said the government wants a fair trial and that any response to Dhaka’s request depends on India.
“We will wait. We expect India will respond and play its role in strengthening relations between the two countries,” she said.
Shama Obaed added that extradition requests are normally sent separately for each individual and that letters are being sent for all fugitives.
Earlier, she said former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently staying in India, would be arrested if she returns to Bangladesh.
“Since she has been convicted, there is no scope for surrender. Whenever she comes to Bangladesh, she will be arrested in accordance with the law,” she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
She said the government is continuing efforts to secure Hasina’s extradition and that the people of Bangladesh want court orders against those living abroad to be implemented.
“If she surrenders, the existing law will be followed. She will have to go to jail. The law will take its own course,” she said.
The state minister also alleged that Hasina’s recent statements from abroad were aimed at encouraging Awami League leaders and activists who have either gone into hiding or left the country.
“I see no other reason,” she said.
Bangladesh has already sought Hasina’s extradition from India under the bilateral extradition treaty.
The government has been pursuing diplomatic efforts to bring her back to face trial while acknowledging that the process may take time.
Three ministries, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have been working on the matter since the new government took office in February, continuing efforts initiated by the interim government.
On 8 April, Bangladesh renewed its extradition request for Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both of whom were sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal.
“We will continue to seek her extradition through a transparent judicial process. It has been discussed and will be dealt with through a transparent judicial process,” Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kabir told reporters in Dhaka.
