United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh had sent a set of relevant documents to India with the diplomatic letter (note verbale) in December last year seeking deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's extradition, and will issue a reminder at an appropriate time. Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Rafiqul Alam made the remarks while responding to a question during a weekly media briefing on Thursday. As a journalist wanted to know whether Bangladesh had sent an arrest warrant or all necessary documents to India for Hasina's extradition, the Spokesperson also said they had sent all required documents received from the relevant ministry under the extradition treaty and information were included when Bangladesh sent the note verbal to India regarding the extradition. Asked when Bangladesh will give a reminder to India, the Spokesperson said it kind of both a diplomatic process and political decision. “A reminder will be sent when the leadership thinks that it is the right time to do so,” he added. Foreign Adviser Hossain likely to meet Indian EAM Jaishankar at Indian Ocean Conf in Oman So far, India has not responded to Bangladesh's request for Hasina's extradition, despite the Foreign Ministry's note verbale. "We continue to expect a response from India," Rafiqul Alam said. Bangladesh has long been waiting for a reply from India regarding its request for Hasina’s extradition and was supposed to send a reminder after a certain period if no reply is received from New Delhi. He said the government will take the next step based on the reply from the Indian side. The spokesperson at India’s Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that they received the extradition request for Hasina from the interim government of Bangladesh. Hasina is facing over 100 cases with a wide range of charges, including murder, genocide and crimes against humanity in charge of killings during the July uprising that led to make her flee to India on August 5. Bangladesh and India signed an extradition treaty in 2013, which was later amended in 2016, providing a legal framework for such requests. In July 2016, Bangladesh and India amended Article 10 (3) of their bilateral Extradition Treaty to facilitate the swift extradition of fugitive criminals between the two nations. The interim government claims that Hasina was the key person who passed the order in the "massacre" during the July-August period. Bimstec Summit: A meeting between Dr Yunus and Modi in the making? In September, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said Hasina should be extradited and brought to justice if she committed crimes. "Why shouldn't she be? If she committed crimes, she should be extradited and brought to justice… she should be facing justice, too," he said while responding to a question at "The New York Times Climate Forward Event."

Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin has emphasised the importance of  immediate operationalisation of the working group with Algeria on energy formed at the respective capitals, with the purpose of identifying areas of potential collaboration in the energy sector. The issue was discussed at the second Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and Algeria which was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Algeria in Algiers. The Bangladesh delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Ambassador Md Jashim Uddin, while the Algerian delegation was headed by Lounes Magramane, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad, Algeria. During the consultations, both sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, including political, economic, trade, investment and cultural cooperation, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday. Saudi Ambassador hopeful of resolving passport issues of 69,000 people They expressed satisfaction over the growing ties between the two countries as evident from the increased number of MoUs from 6 to 22, visits of businessmen to each other's capital during the last three years. Discussions focused on enhancing trade and investment cooperation, with both sides exploring opportunities in key sectors such as energy, pharmaceuticals, textiles, agriculture and ICT. The Bangladesh delegation highlighted Bangladesh’s rapid economic growth and investment-friendly environment, encouraging Algerian businesses to explore potential collaborations. The consultation also explored new areas of engagement including connectivity, technical and higher education. The Foreign Secretary urged the completion of necessary formalities for signing of the already finalized MoUs between the respective Chamber of Commerce and diplomatic training academies. Both sides also reviewed the proposed MoU on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports and underscored the upgradation of the already expired MoUs to meet the expectations of the day. Bangladesh keen to enhance trade, economic relations with Algeria Regional and global issues of mutual interest were also featured in the discussion, with both sides agreeing to continue to work closely on multilateral platforms, particularly on the issue of the Rohingya crisis. Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin and Secretary General Lounes Magramane underscored the importance of regular consultations and high-level visits to further deepen bilateral engagements. Both sides agreed to hold the next round of Bilateral Consultations in Dhaka at a mutually convenient time. FS Jashim later called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Algeria Ahmed Attaf. During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction over the long-standing and friendly relations between Bangladesh and Algeria. They discussed ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and other key sectors. Foreign Secretary apprised the Minister of the reform initiatives undertaken by the Government. The Algerian Foreign Minister assured all possible cooperation with the Government of Bangladesh to further deepening the ties.