Bangladesh is awaiting responses from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India after formally requesting the extradition of former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed and three suspects linked to the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said.
Speaking to journalists at the Secretariat in Dhaka on Thursday, the minister said the government had completed all legal procedures required to secure the return of the former police chief from the UAE and the three murder suspects from India.
“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.
Salahuddin Ahmed said Benazir Ahmed was arrested in the UAE after an Interpol Red Notice was issued against him. He added that, although the UAE authorities had allowed Bangladesh 30 days to submit the necessary extradition documents, the government completed the process within three days.
He also said Bangladesh had sent all required documents to India seeking the extradition of three suspects in the Sharif Osman Hadi murder case, including the main accused, Faisal Karim Masud.
He noted that the suspects are currently facing trial in India on charges of illegally crossing the border, which could delay their return. However, he said the extradition treaty between Bangladesh and India allows the suspects to be handed over even while legal proceedings in India are continuing.
The home minister also outlined the government's plans to overhaul the country's education system, saying it aims to bring education in line with international standards and better prepare students for global competition.
He accused the previous Awami League government of weakening the education system through policies such as autopass and widespread opportunities for examination malpractice.
“The education system was severely damaged. We are working to rebuild and improve it, though the process will take time,” he said.
According to the minister, the government has made modernising education a top priority by focusing on quality, technology-based learning and practical knowledge to improve students' competitiveness in the international job market.
Commenting on recent student protests, Salahuddin Ahmed said misinformation circulated on social media had contributed to public confusion over the demonstrations.
He also said the government remained fully prepared to hold local government elections this year despite uncertainty surrounding the polls.
“We have no doubt about holding the local government elections. We’re prepared to hold the local election,” he said.
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