The government has taken an initiative to bring back fugitive Bangladeshi nationals, including the killers of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, from abroad for trial or executing the sentences that were already given against them.
Already, the cabinet division had formed a high-power ten member taskforce, led by Law Minister Anisul Haque, to prepare a list of fugitive Bangladeshi criminals or accused living abroad and their whereabouts after consulting with stakeholders.
Other members of the taskforce are State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam and State Minister for Home Affairs Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, the attorney general, senior secretary of the home ministry, the foreign secretary and law and justice secretary, the inspector general of police and the director generals of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence and the National Security Intelligence.
According to a recently issued cabinet division order, the taskforce will prepare a list of the fugitive convicts and accused, which would include their names and whereabouts, so that the government can take necessary steps to bring them back into the country for trial or execution of the convictions.
The taskforce would also carry out the groundwork needed to bring them back and monitor the returning process.
The order also said the taskforce will also suggest the government on what steps that may be taken against those who had already gained citizenship of the country where they now reside.
The taskforce has been given the authority to co-opt new members if necessary and will find ministerial support from the home ministry. It will remain effective until further notice.
According to cabinet division officials, the taskforce was formed to bring back a huge number of criminals who had been living in abroad.
Six out of 12 convicted killers of Bangbandhu killing case and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s two sons Tareque Rahman and Arafat Rahman Coko, who had been convicted in various cases, have been living in out of the country for a long time.
