Bangladesh to sign extradition treaty with U.S.

DHAKA, APRIL 3. Bangladesh will sign an extradition treaty with the U.S., to bring three convicts in the Mujibur Rahman murder case to the country as the hearing on confirmation of death sentences against them draws near.

The High Court will begin hearing on May 2 for confirmation of the death sentences to 15 former army officials.

A District Court in a verdict in November 1998 ordered that the 15 convicted persons be executed. Under the Bangladesh laws, a death sentence passed by a lower court has to be confirmed by the high court.

The death reference along with appeals filed by counsel for retired Lt. Col. Faruqur Rahman, retired Maj. Bazlul Huda, retired Lt. Col. Sultan Shariyar Rashid Khan and retired Maj. Mohiuddin Ahmed, now in high security Dhaka central jail, will be heard on May 2. The remaining 11 convicts are still at large.

Bangladesh at present has no extradition treaty with any country except Thailand. Retired Maj Bazlul Huda was extradited from Thailand after lengthy proceedings. The Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, said a draft extradition treaty had been sent to Washington following a discussion with the U.S., President, Mr. Bill Clinton, during his visit to Bangladesh on March 20. The treaty, if signed, will pave the way for the extradition of three convicts - Lt. Col, (relieved) A. M. Rashed Chowdhury, Maj. (retd) Shariful Hussain and Lt. Col. (retd) Mohiuddin - living in the U.S.

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Section  : International
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