Extradition of Hasina, Quader, others needed to ease India ties: Zahed

Prime Minister's Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman today said handing over fugitive and convicted persons, including Sheikh Hasina and Obaidul Quader, currently staying in India, is an important condition for easing relations between the two countries.

He made the government's position clear while responding to journalists' questions at a press briefing on the progress of various ministries' activities and contemporary issues. 

The briefing was organised this afternoon at the conference room of the Press Information Department (PID) at the Secretariat.

The adviser said the issue was also raised prominently during a courtesy meeting with the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh. 

"In our meeting with the High Commissioner, we clearly raised, from our side, the issue of bringing back Sheikh Hasina and all other fugitives in India,” he said, adding, “We have conveyed that the Indian government should consider this matter seriously in the interest of strengthening a working engagement with Bangladesh."

Responding to a question on whether Bangladesh is also seeking the return of Obaidul Quader and other accused persons alongside Sheikh Hasina, Zahed Ur Rahman said, "If we are seeking Sheikh Hasina, why would we not seek Obaidul Quader and others as well?” 

He added, “Our call to the Indian government is that this is a very important condition for easing relations with Bangladesh.” 

He continued, “Sheikh Hasina's brutality was not confined to July alone; her brutality continued for years, and various people were involved in these acts."

About statements made by the fugitive accused on Facebook and various other platforms, the adviser said, "They are living a life of comfort abroad. They are making various statements or giving advice on social media, which is severely hurting the sentiments of the people of Bangladesh.” 

He went on, saying “We hope the Indian government will understand this sentiment and sensitivity of the people of Bangladesh and hand them over."