Preparing the ground for Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit later this month, India and Bangladesh on Wednesday finalised three pacts and vowed to jointly “address the menace of terrorism and extremism in all its
manifestations”.
“Both sides reaffirmed their commitment not to allow the use of territory of either country for any activity inimical to each other’s interests,” said a joint statement by Bangladeshi home secretary Abdus Sobhan Sikder and Indian home secretary Gopal Krishna Pillai.
The pacts were on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, combating terrorism and transfer of prisoners.
These will be signed during Hasina’s three-day visit to India starting December 18.
India had hoped to finalise an extradition treaty with Dhaka during the three-day home secretary-level talks also, but wasn’t entirely disappointed.
An Indian official said the treaty would only have provided a permanent legal framework. “We are working around the legal formalities involved… it is quicker and more effective,” the official explained, in a reference to Dhaka handing over insurgents and terrorists caught on its soil at the border.
This marks a major step to address the issue of terrorist leaders treating Bangladesh as a haven, that had marred relations between the neighbours over the past decade.
{{/usCountry}}This marks a major step to address the issue of terrorist leaders treating Bangladesh as a haven, that had marred relations between the neighbours over the past decade.
{{/usCountry}}Pillai thanked Bangladeshi authorities for their cooperation, including taking steps to prevent likely attacks on the Indian mission in Dhaka.
The two sides affirmed their resolve to take immediate action on the basis of real-time and actionable information.
The home secretaries also agreed to redouble efforts to locate criminals and terrorists against whom Interpol has Red Corner Notices.