[🇧🇩] Extradition of Hasina, Awami Leaders/Beneficiaries and Related News.

[Saif]

ICT chief prosecutor writes to IGP over Interpol red notice for Sheikh Hasina, others

The chief prosecutor sent a letter to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in this regard on Tuesday, sources at the tribunal said.

en.prothomalo.com

ICT chief prosecutor writes to IGP over Interpol red notice for Sheikh Hasina, others
UNB
Dhaka
Updated: 12 Nov 2024, 15: 29

International Crimes TribunalFile photo

Chief Prosecutor of International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) advocate Md Tajul Islam has written to IGP Md Moinul Islam to take initiatives to issue red notice through Interpol to bring back former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives.

The chief prosecutor sent a letter to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in this regard on Tuesday, sources at the tribunal said.

On 10 November, law adviser Prof Asif Nazrul said red notices will be issued soon through the Interpol against the fugitive accused including Sheikh Hasina involved with the July-August killing.

He said fugitive fascist elements, regardless of where they may be in the world, will be held and brought to justice.

He assured that the government would put it maximum effort to ensure these people are returned to face trial.

Asif Nazrul alleged that Awami League lodged baseless complaints against the government to the International Crimes Tribunal in Netherlands' Hague to tarnish the image of the country.

Earlier on 17 October, a three member ICT bench led by its Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mazumdar issued arrest warrants for 46 accused including Sheikh Hasina and former minister Obaidul Quader in separate cases.​

 

[Saif]

Dhaka unhappy with Hasina’s statements in Indian media

Expressing dissatisfaction over former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s frequent political statements from India, Dhaka has requested New Delhi to intervene and stop her.

www.thedailystar.net

Dhaka unhappy with Hasina’s statements in Indian media
Asks Delhi to bar her from doing so

Expressing dissatisfaction over former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's frequent political statements from India, Dhaka has requested New Delhi to intervene and stop her.

"The government is unhappy with Sheikh Hasina's political statements appearing frequently in Indian media. We have communicated our dissatisfaction to the Indian government through the Indian high commissioner in Dhaka," Toufique Hasan, director general at the foreign ministry's Public Diplomacy Wing, said at the weekly briefing at the ministry yesterday.

About the response from the Indian government, he said the Indian envoy told officials that he would pass the message to his government.

Hasina fled to India on August 5 after the fall of her government in the face of a mass uprising.

About initiating the process for repatriating Hasina in line with an order of the International Crimes Tribunal, Toufique said the foreign ministry has not yet received any request from the ministry concerned.

Responding to a question about the issuance of a low number of visas by the Indian high commission in Dhaka, the foreign ministry spokesperson said Dhaka has communicated this to New Delhi. However, the Indian authorities said that they had to suspend the processing of visas for some categories due to a manpower shortage.

According to the official, the foreign ministry is trying to ensure that Bangladeshi students, who need to go to India to obtain visas for a third country, can have their visas from other countries like Vietnam, Uzbekistan or Pakistan.

LABOUR COUNSELLOR STAND RELEASED

Toufique said the government has ordered Mohammed Kamrul Islam, counsellor (Labour Wing) at the Bangladesh mission in Geneva, to return home immediately. It also dismissed a local staff member of the mission following the recent harassment of Law Adviser Asif Nazrul in Geneva.

"It was an unfortunate and unexpected incident… we have already taken actions against one of our officers and a local staff member."

The foreign ministry spokesperson noted that his ministry has already instructed all Bangladesh missions abroad to take measures to ensure the security and appropriate protocol for the high-level government dignitaries during their visits abroad.

A video circulating on social media shows a group of people confronting Asif at the Geneva Airport when he went there to attend an ILO event.

The incident occurred just before the adviser entered the airport to catch his return flight, with Kamrul accompanying him. At that moment, the labour counsellor allegedly remained passive.

MEDIA REQUESTED TO MAINTAIN CAUTION

Toufique said some newspapers recently ran reports on a few foreign ministry officials, particularly those supposed to be appointed as ambassadors.

"This is unfortunate. Officials who are appointed as ambassadors have experience of at least 25 years. The government also considers their ability to represent the country abroad. If such a negative media campaign is run, it hurts the country's image."

He requested the media to report on a particular issue only after thorough investigations.

Asked if any reforms initiatives were initiated for the foreign ministry, Toufique said no such initiative has been taken.

He, however, said the government recently decided not to extend the tenures of the ambassadors who have retired.

"We had been demanding this for long. You can consider this initiative as part of reforms."

He informed journalists that UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Indo Pacific Catherine West will be visiting Bangladesh on November 16-17.

She is scheduled to hold meetings with the chief adviser and the foreign adviser.​

 

[Saif]

Dhaka to pursue extradition of Hasina, Prof Yunus tells The Hindu

Bangladesh will pursue the extradition of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus told The Hindu

www.thedailystar.net

Dhaka to pursue extradition of Hasina, Prof Yunus tells The Hindu

File photo: PID

Bangladesh will pursue the extradition of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus told The Hindu.

He however admitted that he had no objection to her party, Awami League, contesting the elections.

In an exclusive interview with The Hindu at his residence in Dhaka, Yunus spelt out his vision for ties with India and plans for reform.

His interview was released in online version of the Indian daily today.

Prof Yunus defended his government's record in 100 days since it was formed and called reports over the rise of radicalism and safety of the nation's Hindus and other minorities "propaganda", which has led to sharp criticism from India and US president-elect Donald Trump.​

 

[Saif]

Delhi must send back Hasina, Bangladesh interim govt chief tells The Hindu

Chief adviser professor Muhammad Yunus said that Bangladesh would pursue the extradition of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina from India.

www.newagebd.net

Delhi must send back Hasina, Bangladesh interim govt chief tells The Hindu
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka 19 November, 2024, 16:46

Professor Muhammad Yunus | UNB photo

Chief adviser professor Muhammad Yunus said that Bangladesh would pursue the extradition of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina from India.

He, however, admitted that he had no objection to her party the Awami League contesting in elections.

In an exclusive interview with The Hindu at his residence in Dhaka, Yunus spelt out his vision for ties with India and plans for reform.

His interview was released in online version of the Indian daily on Tuesday.

Professor Yunus defended his government’s record in 100 days since it was formed and called reports over the rise of radicalism and safety of the nation’s Hindus and other minorities ‘propaganda’, which has led to sharp criticism from India and US president-elect Donald Trump.​

 

[Saif]

Dhaka wants reciprocal relations with Delhi: Touhid

Foreign affairs adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday said Bangladesh wants good relations with India on a reciprocal basis, hinting that Foreign Office Consultations between the two countries might take place a day ahead instead of December 10...

www.newagebd.net

Dhaka wants reciprocal relations with Delhi: Touhid
United News of Bangladesh . Dhaka 05 December, 2024, 00:55

Foreign affairs adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday said Bangladesh wants good relations with India on a reciprocal basis, hinting that Foreign Office Consultations between the two countries might take place a day ahead instead of December 10.

‘It is very clear that we want good relations but it should be reciprocal. We need to work to that end,’ he told reporters while responding to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Asked about the FOC, Hossain said it may take place one day ahead of the schedule, or it will be held on December 10 in Dhaka.

Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri is likely to be in Dhaka on December 9 or 10 accordingly as both Bangladesh and India are preparing for the Foreign Secretary-level meeting.

Once finalised, this is going to be the first visit to be paid by a senior Indian government official to Bangladesh since the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus, came to power in August 8, a diplomatic source told UNB on Wednesday.

However, there has been no official announcement yet regarding his visit to hold the Foreign Office Consultations with Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin.

The discussion is likely to cover a range of bilateral issues, including the potential extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India and visa issues.

At the foreign ministry’s weekly briefing on November 21, director general of the Public Diplomacy Wing Toufique Hasan confirmed that an inter-ministerial meeting has already taken place to coordinate preparations for the upcoming talks.

‘There is a scope for discussion on the matter (extradition of Sheikh Hasina),’ Hasan said at a weekly media briefing.

Sheikh Hasina, who fled Dhaka on August 5 and has been residing in India since then, is facing trial in Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal for alleged involvement in mass killings during the July-August uprising.

While the government intends to bring her back, Hasan emphasised that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet received any formal directive to initiate the extradition process.

‘We will engage with Delhi and begin the formal process in accordance with the existing extradition treaty once we receive the necessary instructions,’ he clarified in response to queries.

Regarding the review of existing agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between the two countries, Hasan said that these fall under the jurisdiction of various ministries in Bangladesh.​

 

[Saif]

'Time to act' on bringing Hasina back has not yet arrived: MoFA spokesperson

Although discussions have been going on about taking steps to bring former premier Sheikh Hasina back from India, the foreign ministry has said the time is not yet right for it to step in. An arrest warrant has been issued for her by the International Crimes Tribunal. During the foreign ministry'

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

'Time to act' on bringing Hasina back has not yet arrived: MoFA spokesperson
Published :
Dec 05, 2024 22:45
Updated :
Dec 05, 2024 22:45

Although discussions have been going on about taking steps to bring former premier Sheikh Hasina back from India, the foreign ministry has said the time is not yet right for it to step in.

An arrest warrant has been issued for her by the International Crimes Tribunal.

During the foreign ministry's weekly briefing, spokesperson Rafiqul Alam noted that the ministry is not the sole “partner” in the initiative to repatriate her, as other ministries are also involved, bdnews24.com reports.

“The time for us to play our role has not yet come. When the time for us to play our role comes, we will do it,” he said.

Hasina has been in India since the ouster of the Awami League government on August 5.

The International Crimes Tribunal is currently trying several leaders, including the Awami League president, on charges related to "mass killings" during the July-August mass uprisings.

On October 18, the tribunal ordered Hasina, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, and other accused individuals to appear before the court within a month.

Following that order, the foreign affairs advisor said: “Just five minutes before I entered the room, the paper had reached me. We will definitely take necessary measures.

“The court has given a month’s time. Meanwhile, we will definitely try to bring her back, we will do whatever is necessary for us.”

Despite over a month and a half passing, the foreign ministry has not shown any visible efforts to bring Hasina back.

The ministry's spokesperson has continued to state that the foreign ministry will only act after receiving formal instructions from another ministry.

When asked whether such instructions had been received, Rafiqul responded: “As far as I know, no instructions have been received so far.”

Since the Hasina government’s fall, there has been noticeable tension and hostility in Bangladesh's relations with India.

Both nations have issued conflicting statements about the persecution of minority Hindus in Bangladesh.

A foreign secretary-level meeting between the two countries is scheduled to take place in Dhaka on December 9, with the aim of easing tensions and revitalising relations.

External Affairs Secretary Vikram Misri will represent India at the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) a platform for regular dialogue between foreign secretaries.

Bangladesh’s delegation will be led by Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin.

Discussing the FOC agenda, Rafiqul said: “In any FOC, efforts are made to keep all the elements that exist in the bilateral relationship. Both sides need consent while setting the agenda.”

He indicated that large-scale issues such as trade, borders, connectivity, and water as well as recent developments are likely to be addressed.

“There are certainly many more elements besides this. But I do not have more information than this at the moment,” he added.

The interim government has refrained from opposing India’s decision to grant Hasina asylum but has urged her not to make any “political statements” from there, which could destabilise Bangladesh.

In response to an enquiry about whether India had responded to the diplomatic note previously sent, Rafiqul said, “I do not know whether any response has come from India.”

Reports surfaced on Thursday in several media outlets suggesting that Awami League leaders and activists are planning a rally in London, with party chief Hasina expected to address it virtually.

When asked whether the foreign ministry was aware of this meeting and how India was facilitating her involvement, he replied, “We know through newspapers.

“How it is being facilitated, it is not a matter for me to give a statement. She is in India, and their government can tell us better about how they’re handling the situation.”​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh likely to raise extradition of Hasina, media propaganda in talks with India on Monday

The extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian media propaganda against Bangladesh are likely to be discussed during the foreign office consultation meeting between Bangladesh and India on Monday. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will lead the Indian delegation, which is sc

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh likely to raise extradition of Hasina, media propaganda in talks with India on Monday
FE Online Report
Published :
Dec 07, 2024 19:20
Updated :
Dec 07, 2024 20:54

The extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian media propaganda against Bangladesh are likely to be discussed during the foreign office consultation meeting between Bangladesh and India on Monday.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will lead the Indian delegation, which is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka city on Monday amid strains in bilateral ties.

Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin will lead the Bangladesh side.

According to the foreign ministry officials, trade, visa connectivity, border killings, and water sharing are the key issues to be discussed in the meeting.

However, the issue of extradition of Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India in the face of a mass uprising against her government on August 5 and the relentless propaganda by a section of Indian media against Bangladesh will be raised by the Bangladesh side, officials said.

Hasina is currently facing trial in Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal for her alleged involvement in mass killings during the student-led July-August uprising.

Misri will hold several other meetings during his visit and is expected to express Indain government’s concern over the minority situations in Bangladesh, said Indian media reports.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed his concerns about the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh in a message to Muhammad Yunus on August 8 after the Nobel laureate took charge as chief adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government. On October 12, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called upon Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities and their places of worship. On November 26, the MEA voiced deep concerns about the arrest and denial of bail to ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, including the desecration of deities and temples.

However, the Bangladesh government has made it clear that the government is fully committed to protecting the minority rights. Moreover, it has asserted that the Indian media has been engaged in a vicious campaign against the interim government by presenting fabricated reports on attacks against Hindus.

Bangladesh missions in Kolkata and Agartala recently were attacked by Indian protesters, adding fuel to the ongoing bitterness in bilateral ties.

Amid tensions, the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka last week told the media that India always wants a stable and friendly ties with Bangladesh.​

 

[Saif]

Dhaka to seek Hasina’s extradition formally after some legal steps: CA’s press wing

Responding to a question on the visit, the chief adviser’s press secretary said, we are actually hoping that our relation with India will further improve

en.prothomalo.com

Dhaka to seek Hasina’s extradition formally after some legal steps: CA’s press wing
Special Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 08 Dec 2024, 22: 56

Chief adviser Muhammad Yunus’ deputy press secretary Apurba Jahangir speaks at a media conference at Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on 8 December 2024Chief adviser's press wing

Bangladesh will formally request India to extradite ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina after completing a few legal proceedings, chief adviser Muhammad Yunus’ press secretary Shafiqul Alam said Sunday.

He was speaking at a media conference at Foreign Service Academy in the capital

“The stand of our government regarding the extradition of Sheikh Hasina is quite clear. We want to bring to book Sheikh Hasina bringing her back to the country… She is the main commander of killing over 1,500 people in July-August. Earlier, she was the head of the government when people were made victims of enforced disappearance. Apart from this, a white paper has revealed that on average USD 16 billion was laundered from the country every year. This is the taxpayers’ money that has been stolen and sent abroad. Holding the responsible people accountable for all these things is one of our pledges,” Shafiqul Alam said.

He stated, “Since we have an extradition treaty with India; you can seek to extradite someone only after completing a few legal procedures. We have been completing that process. We will approach India formally seeking her (Sheikh Hasina’s) extradition only after completing those.”

Speaking about this in September, law adviser Asif Nazrul told a newsperson that Bangladesh has an extradition treaty with India. As per that agreement, if there is any convicted Bangladeshi living in India, whether she is former prime minister or not, Bangladesh could seek her extradition.

Hope for a further improved relation with India

India’s foreign secretary Vikram Misri is set to arrive in Bangladesh on Monday.

Responding to a question on the visit, the chief adviser’s press secretary said, “We are actually hoping that our relation with India will further improve. We have told it earlier too, we have linguistic, historic and cultural ties with India. In this context, we surely want a further improved relation with India so that people from both countries can reap the benefits. At the same time, we want our relations with India to be based on fairness, equality and dignity.”

Chief Adviser himself will announce election date

Interim government’s education and planning affairs adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud on Saturday said, “The tenure of this government is short. I personally think we would see an elected government in the next year. Don’t know what will happen.”

Explaining this statement of Wahiduddin Mahmud, chief adviser’s deputy press secretary Apurba Jahangir told the press meet, “This was his personal opinion. The chief adviser himself will say when the election will take place.”

Meanwhile, Meta’s director for human rights policy Miranda Sissons called on the chief adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna in the capital today, Sunday.

Chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at that time asked Meta, the parent company of Facebook, to address the disinformation campaign against Bangladesh being carried out from certain countries to undermine the July-August mass uprising.

“There’s a massive disinformation campaign, and we are the sufferers,” the Chief Adviser told Miranda Sissons.

This was also said to the media in the press conference.​