Foreign Ministry Moves to Repatriate Quader, Kamal and Other Convicts Following Due Process

The Foreign Ministry is taking necessary steps to bring back to Bangladesh convicted fugitives staying in India, including Obaidul Quader, general secretary of the banned Awami League, who was sentenced to death in the July killings case. Foreign Affairs Minister Shama Obaed said India would be contacted through the proper process after the Foreign Ministry receives the official documents of the verdict against the seven convicts who were sentenced to death yesterday, including Obaidul Quader.

She made the remarks while speaking to reporters at the Foreign Ministry on Wednesday. The International Crimes Tribunal on Tuesday sentenced seven people, including Obaidul Quader, to death in a case involving crimes against humanity during the July uprising. The other six are Awami League Joint General Secretary A.F.M. Bahauddin Nasim, former State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League Chairman Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain and General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Enan.

Asked about efforts to bring the convicted fugitives back to Bangladesh, Shama Obaed said the Foreign Ministry is taking necessary steps under the existing laws as part of its responsibilities. She said work is also underway under the extradition treaty to bring back ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and the accused involved in the killing of martyr Hadi during the July movement. Letters are being exchanged between the two countries on the matter.

Regarding Tuesday’s verdict, she said India would be contacted through the proper process after the official documents of the verdict are received. The government will take steps to bring the convicts back to Bangladesh and take legal action against them.

Asked whether India had responded to letters sent by Bangladesh seeking the return of Obaidul Quader and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, the Foreign Affairs Minister said diplomatic communication with India is ongoing. She said, “No specific response has yet been received from India.” However, she said India also has a legal process to follow and is moving that process forward. She added that the process would continue until they are brought back to Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, she was asked about reports in several media outlets that New Delhi has yet to give its consent, or agrément, to the appointment of Asad Alam Siam as Bangladesh’s next High Commissioner to India.

Shama Obaed made it clear that such reports should not be published based on speculation until there is specific information or a statement from either the Bangladesh or Indian government. She said reports about the High Commissioner’s agrément should not be taken into consideration until there is an official statement from either government.