Do not shelter criminals, hand them over to Bangladesh: BNP vice chair to India

BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu has urged India to stop sheltering people convicted under Bangladeshi law and hand them over to the Bangladesh government immediately.

India talks about democracy while providing refuge to people accused or convicted of crimes in Bangladesh, Shamsuzzaman said at a human chain in front of the National Press Club today (28 September). 

“Anyone who crosses the border can be arrested and brought to justice. But they cannot be killed,” he said.

Referring to the activities-banned Awami League, he said India has protected those who have “endangered democracy in Bangladesh” and maintained a cooperative relationship with their political party and its leader.

“Those who are criminals and have been convicted under Bangladeshi law are being given shelter. They should instead be handed over to the Bangladesh government immediately. They talk about democracy, but they are providing shelter to criminals,” he said.

He said protecting Bangladesh requires safeguarding democracy and independence, adding that Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is working towards that goal.

He said Tarique’s vision of taking Bangladesh forward as a normal country is being appreciated around the world.

Referring to Tarique’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Shamsuzzaman said it “has been praised around the world”.

He also alleged that false and defamatory campaigns targeting Tarique are being carried out on social media and other platforms.

Calling for unity, Shamsuzzaman said, “We have to put these things aside, stand together and move forward.”