Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal has become the latest subject of Bangladesh's extradition efforts after the government formally requested India to return him through diplomatic channels.
Speaking to reporters after attending a seminar in Dhaka on Monday, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obayed Islam said a letter seeking Kamal's extradition had recently been sent to India.
"Since he is a fugitive, we have given the letter that is required for his return. It has been sent recently, addressing only the former Home Minister," she said.
The state minister said the process was ongoing and reflected the government's commitment to enforcing court verdicts against convicted fugitives, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
"We will wait. We expect India will reply and will play its role in strengthening the relations between the two countries," she said, adding that Bangladesh wanted a fair judicial process and that India's response would determine the next step.
She also said extradition requests are normally submitted separately and confirmed that the government was sending individual requests for all fugitives living abroad.
Her remarks came days after she said Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India, would be arrested immediately if she returned to Bangladesh.
"Since she has been convicted, there is no scope for surrender. Whenever she comes to Bangladesh, she will be arrested. It will be done in accordance with the law," she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, adding that efforts to secure her extradition were continuing.
Asked on Monday about the legal process, Shama Obaed said if Hasina returned, the existing law would apply.
"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 claimed that Hasina's recent remarks from abroad appeared intended to encourage Awami League leaders and activists who had either gone into hiding or left the country.
"I see no other reason," she said.
Bangladesh has formally requested India to extradite Hasina under the bilateral extradition treaty and says diplomatic efforts to bring her back for trial remain ongoing, although officials acknowledge the process could take time.
According to the government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with two other ministries, has been pursuing the extradition process since the current government assumed office in February, building on work started by the interim administration.
On 8 April, Bangladesh renewed its extradition request for both Hasina and Kamal after the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced them to death.
Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir said the government would continue pursuing Hasina's return through legal channels.
"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," he told reporters in Dhaka.
