COX'S BAZAR, March 09 (UNB): Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said the two suspects in the Inquilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi murder case, who were arrested in India, would be brought back to Bangladesh under the existing extradition treaty between the two countries.
"The Ministry of Home has already taken steps regarding the arrest of the two accused, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been requested to take necessary measures to bring them back in line with the extradition agreement," said the minister.
He made the remarks while talking to reporters after attending a district law and order committee meeting in Cox's Bazar.
Indian police arrested Faisal Karim Masud, the prime suspect in the murder of Hadi, along with his associate Alamgir Hossain in a raid in Bongaon near the Bangladesh border late Saturday night, according to a press release from the Special Task Force of the West Bengal Police.
Salahuddin Ahmed also said a list of drug traders is being prepared in a highly professional manner. "It will not be made public, as doing so could create political influence and lead to possible errors."
Incidents of mob violence would not be allowed in the country, and all terrorists and extortionists would be brought under the law to ensure good governance, he noted.
The minister also announced measures to restore discipline in the tourism sector of Cox's Bazar. He said illegal structures, set up along the sea beach, would be removed within a week and the tourist areas would be kept clean. CCTV cameras would be installed at important points in the town.
FE Report adds, Bangladesh would seek the return of two of its nationals, arrested in India in connection with the killing of Hadi, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said on Monday.
She said the government would request their repatriation under the prisoner exchange arrangement, if their arrest was confirmed. "We have learned that Indian police have arrested two individuals as suspects in the Hadi murder case. If that is confirmed, we will seek their return under the prisoner exchange treaty."
Bangladesh requested India to provide "sufficient information" regarding the arrests. The issue would be addressed through diplomatic channels. Officials at the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata sought consular access from the Indian authorities on Sunday.
"Once we receive consular access, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will take the necessary next steps," she said, adding that the mission in Kolkata had not yet received a response from the Indian authorities.
When asked when the two detainees could be returned to Bangladesh, the state minister said it was too early to give a timeline. "As this involves the legal and judicial process of another country, and the incident has only recently occurred, we are proceeding through diplomatic channels."
"We will have to wait for the next steps. We hope India will cooperate with us in this matter," Shama Obaed noted.
She added that efforts were also continuing to bring back former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh. The government remained committed to ensuring justice for those responsible for crimes against humanity during the July Uprising.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Hossain Fakir said diplomatic efforts began to bring back the two arrestees from India. The IGP was speaking at a press conference at the police headquarters in the capital on Monday.
"Police have prepared a list of extortionists and armed criminals, and may launch operations against them at any time. A list of those involved in mob violence is also being prepared."
Police would follow a "zero tolerance" policy against extortion and terrorism. No one would be spared even if they had political affiliations. Police have stepped up vigilance to prevent extortion and robbery on the roads and highways ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr festival.
The IGP called for building social resistance to eliminate juvenile gangs. Police are monitoring the situation to ensure that no one takes advantage of the July Uprising.
He focused on establishing police stations as "zero complaint stations" to bring law-enforcement closer to the public. Many problems could be resolved quickly, if a judicial magistrate was stationed at every police station.
He also spoke about the issue of changing police uniforms, saying the force was waiting for the government's decision on the matter.
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