India, Bangladesh inching closer to sealing extradition treaty

New Delhi, Sep 10 (ANI): Visiting Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dipu Moni today said India and Bangladesh are close to finalizing an extradition treaty.

Talking to reporters at Bangladesh House in Delhi, Moni said that the extradition treaty is under discussion.

She also assured the Indian leadership that Bangladesh would not allow terrorist organizations of any hue or origin to use its land against India. Both sides also agreed to conclude an agreement on combating international terrorism, organized crime and illegal drug trafficking.

Officials accompanying the minister told ANI that the treaty would be sealed soon.

New Delhi and Dhaka have been working on the modalities for an extradition agreement for over four years. Once the treaty is in place, both countries will be able to extradite criminals and terrorists of each country.

According to reports Bangladesh is holding some 5000 foreigners, mainly from India while India is holding some 200 Bangladeshi criminals. India has been seeking the extradition of Anup Chetia, a key ULFA leader, and some other top insurgent leaders.

Security experts believe that once the treaty is finalized, India will be able to nab both ULFA and HUJI militants who have taken refuge in Bangladesh.

In a significant move, both India and Bangladesh have also agreed to conclude agreements on mutual legal assistance on criminal matters and transfer of sentenced person.

These agreements are expected to be signed during Bangladeshi Prime Minister Shaiekh Hasina visit to India. By Naveen Kapoor(ANI)