Govt hopeful of Hasina's return under extradition treaty: Salahuddin

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday expressed the hope that India would return former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh under the

existing extradition treaty between the two countries, reports UNB.

"We still expect the Indian government to return her through legal procedures under the extradition treaty between the two countries. We want her to face trial," he said at a dialogue organised by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) at Secretariat.

Replying to a question regarding media reports that Sheikh Hasina may return to the country and discussions over a possible travel pass, Salahuddin said Bangladesh had repeatedly sent letters to the Indian government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeking her extradition.

The minister also said the government is working to formulate a new law to strictly control gambling, betting and online gambling activities.

"We hope, InshaAllah, we will place the draft law in the next parliamentary session," he said, adding that the existing gambling law dates back to 1867 and is outdated.

He said the government plans to repeal the old law and introduce a modern and time-befitting legal framework to address emerging crimes, including online gambling.

The dialogue was chaired by BSRF President Masudul Haque.

Chief Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed was

present at the event while BSRF General Secretary Ubaidullah Badal moderated the programme.