The Jatiya Sangsad on Tuesday adopted a motion seeking an early update from the government on the steps taken to bring former police inspector general Benazir Ahmed back to Bangladesh to face trial.
The motion, raised by Dhaka-14 lawmaker Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem under Rule 147 of the Rules of Procedure, also sought details of how Benazir obtained bail after his arrest in the United Arab Emirates and the measures being taken to secure his extradition.
Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad asked home minister Salahuddin Ahmed to inform the House as soon as possible about the government's efforts to bring the former IGP back to Bangladesh.
Taking part in the discussion, Salahuddin said the government had sent a formal extradition request within four days of Benazir's arrest in the UAE and had not delayed the process.
He said Bangladesh had no bilateral extradition treaty with the UAE and that the matter was being pursued under UAE law, the principle of reciprocity and the relevant international legal framework.
The minister said Benazir's release on bail did not mean that the extradition process had ended, as extradition involved several legal and judicial stages.
‘If Benazir's presence in another country is officially confirmed, steps will be taken to arrest, extradite or pursue other legal measures against him under that country's laws, applicable treaties, the principle of reciprocity and the international legal framework,’ he said.
Foreign affairs state minister Humaiun Kobir said that, according to information available to the government, Benazir was in Dubai and had not travelled to Saint Lucia, as reported.
He said the Bangladesh embassy was monitoring the matter and efforts were under way to bring him back.
The motion said that Benazir, who faces allegations of crimes against humanity, enforced disappearances, money laundering and corruption, was arrested in Dubai under an Interpol Red Notice but was later released on bail.
It said reports that he subsequently travelled to Saint Lucia had raised questions about the government's efforts to secure his extradition.
Mir Ahmad sought a full account of the measures taken to bring Benazir back, including details of the formal extradition request. He also sought updates on investigations into allegations that Benazir possessed passports from six countries and measures to seize his allegedly illegal assets at home and abroad.
Salahuddin said the Anti-Corruption Commission was separately investigating allegations that Benazir had obtained passports from six countries while in government service.
He said legal action would be taken on the basis of evidence.
Shipping state minister Md Razib Ahsan said the allegations against Benazir required exemplary punishment and urged the government to make more effective use of extradition arrangements with the UAE and India.
Rangpur-4 lawmaker Akhter Hossen called on the government to clarify whether all necessary legal measures had been pursued to bring Benazir back. He also called for reforms to prevent law-enforcement agencies from being involved in enforced disappearances, killings or crimes against humanity in the future.
Reserved-seat lawmaker Marzia Begum said that Benazir's release on bail and the reports of his subsequent departure had exposed weaknesses in the extradition process.
