Ties with India depend on extradition of Hasina: Zahed

Dr Zahed Ur Rahman, the Prime Minister's Adviser for Policy and Strategy, Information and Broadcasting and Cultural Affairs, has said the government is taking firm steps to bring back Awami League leader Obaidul Quader and other fugitives sentenced to death in crimes against humanity cases, so that the verdicts can be enforced.

He also said the “easing” of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India depends on the handover of ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, currently in India, along with other convicts.

He made these remarks on Tuesday while responding to a journalist's question at the government's regular weekly press briefing.

Earlier in the day, the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and six others to death over crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising.

Besides Quader, those convicted in the case include Awami League Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, former State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League President Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, and Chhatra League president Saddam Hossain and General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Enan. All of them are absconding.

Responding to a journalist's question on whether the government was taking steps to apprehend the fugitives, Zahed said he had conveyed a clear message to the Indian high commissioner during a courtesy meeting.

"I had a courtesy meeting with the Indian high commissioner, and these issues came up among the matters we discussed," he said.

"I tried to make clear from my position that this is where we stand on Sheikh Hasina and the others, and that they should take these matters into consideration for a working engagement with Bangladesh."

Referring to efforts to bring back convicts who have taken refuge in India or other countries, Zahed said: "We're seeking Sheikh Hasina, so why wouldn't we seek Obaidul Quader and the others as well?"
"That's why I want to call on the Indian government too, saying this is an important condition for easing relations with Bangladesh."

Highlighting the severity of the crimes committed under Hasina and her government, Zahed said: "By process, I don't just mean July. We shouldn't make that mistake. Many of us think Sheikh Hasina only turned bad in July. Sheikh Hasina's brutality has been going on for a long time, over the years."

In an appeal to India to hand over the fugitives, he said: "The Indian government will understand this sensitivity of ours and hand them over to us.
"We will continue our efforts. There's no reason not to."

He also said the government was committed to completing the judicial process, adding: "The political party that was persecuted under the previous Awami League government is now in power or running the state, so the government is committed to completing this judicial process."    �"bdnews24