State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Wednesday said efforts are underway to bring former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh to face trial, adding that this reflects the public demand.
Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she said, “Of course, she should be brought back to Bangladesh and the trial should be completed. That is what the people of Bangladesh want. Work is underway for that purpose.”
She, however, noted that there is no new update on the process, as legal and diplomatic procedures are still ongoing.
Responding to questions on foreign relations, Shama Obaed said Bangladesh maintains ties with all countries and aims to build balanced and independent relationships.
“We will have relations with China. We will have relations with all countries. Good relations with one country do not mean bad relations with another,” she said.
She added that the government’s priority is to protect national interests by maintaining constructive engagement with all partners.
On April 17, India said it was examining Bangladesh’s request for the extradition of Sheikh Hasina as part of ongoing legal and judicial processes, according to statements from its Ministry of External Affairs.
Bangladesh had earlier renewed its request on April 8 for the extradition of Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both of whom were sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal.
Officials in Bangladesh have said the extradition request will continue to be pursued through formal legal channels and diplomatic engagement.
