The US department of justice is working on the process of signing the extradition treaty with Bangladesh, the country’s under secretary of state for political affairs has said.
Wendy Sherman said this while meeting Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali in Dhaka on Friday after the fourth US-Bangladesh partnership dialogue.
During the meeting, the foreign ministry said, the minister urged the under secretary to extend necessary support to repatriate the convicted killer of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who has made the US “a safe haven”.
He also requested the under secretary to expedite signing the extradition treaty with Bangladesh.
Sherman took note of the minister’s request and informed that the US Department of Justice is working on it.
Recently Rashed Chowdhury, one of the fugitive killers of Bangabandhu, has been spotted at a social gathering in California.
He fled amid protests by expatriate Bangladeshis at the event.
Ali and Sherman also discussed issues of bilateral and regional interests. Sherman thanked him for his visit to the US in February to participate in the White House Countering Violent Extremism Summit and meeting Secretary of State John Kerry.
She stressed the importance of Bangladesh’s continued engagements in the follow-up events of the Summit worldwide “to share best practices in this field”.
She also appreciated the impressive socio-economic development of the country and renewed her government’s commitment to remain engaged in Bangladesh’s development strides in the days ahead.
The foreign minister said since his meeting with Kerry, “there appears to be a boost in confidence in the relations”.
Referring to Kerry’s interests to visit Bangladesh, the minister expressed his keenness to receive him in Dhaka “at a mutually convenient time”.
The foreign minister noted that regional perspectives have added “a momentous effect” in cementing Bangladesh-US relationship.
In this connection, Sherman said, coming straight from Delhi, she had a “good impression” about the warmth of Bangladesh-India relationship and the value Indian leadership attaches to the friendly relations with Bangladesh.
The issues surrounding Myanmar refugees and the illegal stay of its nationals in Bangladesh also came up in the discussion.
The minister noted that although Bangladesh is continuously putting its efforts to strengthen its relations with Myanmar, this issue appears to be a hindrance in achieving expected level of developments.
He appreciated the US position in this regard particularly president Obama’s clear statement during his last visit to Myanmar that the solution to this problem lies within Myanmar.
Obama also asked Burmese leadership to resolve the nationality issues of the Rohingyas.
Sherman acknowledged Bangladesh’s contribution to provide shelters and generous hospitality to Myanmar refugees, the foreign ministry said.
Source: Bd news24
