India and Bangladesh on Thursday discussed extradition of criminals and prisoners in each other’s captivity, including ULFA leader Anoop Chetia.
This was discussed during External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj’s meeting with Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood.
During the deliberations, the case of Bangladeshi suspect Nur Hossain, wanted in Bangladesh for killing seven people in Dhaka’s satellite city Narayanganj about two months ago, was also discussed.
Addressing a press conference after Ms. Swaraj’s meetings, the Spokesperson in the External Affairs Minister said, “We are not sanctuary for criminals” and if there are any criminals, they will be sent back.
He was asked about Bangladesh’s demand for Hossain’s extradition.
India’s reaction was in contrast to the response given by Mr. Ali who said “we will see” when asked about India’s demand about Chetia’s extradition.
Bangladesh last year had signed an extradition treaty with India mutually agreeing to deport wanted “criminals” hiding or lodged in jails in each other’s country.
Under the agreement, only persons with charges like murders, culpable homicide and other serious offences would come under the purview of the deal while offenders of small crimes awarded with imprisonment for less than one year will also not be wanted under the treaty.
The ULFA’s founder general secretary sought political asylum in Bangladesh thrice in 2005, 2008 and in 2011 after Bangladesh police arrested him in December 1997 and was subsequently handed down seven years of jail terms by two courts for cross-border intrusion, carrying fake passports and illegally keeping foreign currencies.
Despite completion of his term, Chetia was in jail under a 2003 HC directive asking authorities to keep him in safe custody until a decision was taken on his asylum plea.
