Bangladesh formally asks UK to return BNP leader Tarique Rahman

Bangladesh has applied to the UK government to return convicted BNP Vice-Chairman Tarique Rahman, but the absence of an extradition agreement between the countries may stand in the way.

The BNP’s acting chief has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the Aug 21 grenade attack on the then opposition leader Sheikh Hasina. He is living in London for the last 10 years.

Visiting British Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific Mark Field, when asked in a media interaction on Sunday, reiterated his government’s position not to comment on individual case, but said there has been an application for the extradition request.

“It is the policy of the UK government not to comment on individual immigration cases,” he said, adding that their courts and police are independent on dealing with those issues.

“It is not for politicians to decide,” he said and pointed out that there is no extradition agreement between Bangladesh and the UK and that can make things “complicated”.

Tarique Rahman. File Photo

The government wants to bring back all the convicted criminals from abroad including the BNP leader.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen recently said efforts are ongoing.

The British minister came to Bangladesh to discuss higher education. He also talked on the governance and development issues.