BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has said the party will formally request the extradition of fugitive former autocrat Sheikh Hasina from India to ensure justice following her death sentence.
He stated that, under the existing extradition treaty with the Government of India, Sheikh Hasina—who has been sentenced to death—would be brought back to the country. The process, he added, would be carried out through legal channels by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Salahuddin made the remarks while speaking to journalists in front of the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, the capital, on Friday.
He said that, as investigations against Sheikh Hasina are ongoing and specific allegations have been raised against the Bangladesh Awami League, steps would be initiated under the current extradition agreement with India to return her to Bangladesh to stand trial.
Referring to the election, the senior BNP leader described it as a milestone in Bangladesh’s history. He said the entire world had been watching for a free and fair poll. With the exception of a few isolated incidents, voters exercised their franchise in an almost entirely peaceful environment. He added that voters not only cast their ballots but also guarded polling stations to protect democracy.
He expressed hope that this parliament would become the most productive in terms of lawmaking since independence and would reflect the aspirations of the people. He identified the establishment of the rule of law, economic prosperity and the eradication of corruption as the three main priorities of the new government.
Salahuddin further said the BNP’s victory in the election had been anticipated and that public participation, particularly surrounding Tarique Rahman’s presence, had been noteworthy. Through the election, he said, a strong foundation for democracy had been laid in the country.
He added that the July Charter symbolises political consensus and would be implemented to the letter. He called for cooperation from all in building a merit-based and technology-driven nation in line with the expectations of the younger generation.
