Bangladesh urges India to expedite extradition of former PM Sheikh Hasina

File photo: Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina

DHAKA: Bangladesh on Sunday hoped India would act on its request for former PM Sheikh Hasina's extradition and expedite the process, saying that "while legal process is certainly a factor, political will is also essential". The remarks came a day after Indian high commissioner to Dhaka Dinesh Trivedi at the Bay of Bengal Conversation made it clear the legal process concerning extradition is ongoing and no time-frame can be given as courts are involved. He had said that "again and again, Indian govt has replied to this that there is a process, and the process is legal, and it is well structured. So, as far as that is concerned, the process is on". "While the legal process is certainly a factor, political will is also essential. We hope govt of India will focus on expediting the ongoing extradition process to bring the accused back. Both countries must possess political will. We certainly have political will, and they (India) need to have it as well," state minister for foreign affairs Shama Obaed Islam told reporterswhen asked about Trivedi's remarks. Meanwhile, outgoing Bangladesh high commissioner to India Md Riaz Hamidullah Sunday met Indian external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar in New Delhi and discussed issues of mutual interest. During his 18-month stint in India as high commissioner, Riaz said he tried to quietly advance Bangladesh-India relations, premised on mutual trust, dignity and shared benefits.

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