The seven members of Bimstec are negotiating to sign an extradition treaty as they are concerned about the escalation of criminal activities, both national and transnational.
They believe there is a need to establish a mechanism for the extradition of fugitive offenders to bring them to justice. But, this agreement will not be applicable if the offence is committed by a political character, officials said.
The main objective of the treaty is to establish a regional arrangement for extradition of fugitive offenders that will greatly contribute to more effective cooperation for the control of criminal activities.
An official of the Foreign Ministry said that the borders of the Bimstec member countries are porous and it is easy to cross the borders illegally.
“Criminals after committing the crimes take refuge to other neighbouring countries making it difficult for the host country to bring the culprits to justice,” the official said asking not to be named.
“India has taken the lead in the initiative and the delegations of the member states have already negotiated the issue in New Delhi on Thursday,” the official said.
Bangladesh has extradition treaty with India and Thailand but not with four other member countries of the Bimstec – Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.
“It is time consuming to negotiate extradition treaty with all countries separately. If a regional organisation has such treaty, it will be applicable to all member states,” the Foreign Ministry official said, adding that Bangladesh has no problem signing the treaty.
In addition to the extradition treaty, the member countries are also negotiating to sign a treaty for the transfer of convicted persons.
Another official of the Foreign Ministry said that the objective of the agreement is to give opportunity to the offenders to serve their sentences in their own country.
Bangladesh has such agreement with India only.
The draft agreement of the extradition treaty stipulated the obligation of extradite, political offence exemption, extradition offence, evidence and all other related aspects.
Foreign secretaries of the seven countries are expected to meet in Kathmandu in January when more discussion would take place.