Bangladesh PM Hasina requests extradition of Bangabandhu killers from US

Dhaka: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has requested the US to extradite the killers of her father and founder of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Hasina made the request to US Secretary of State John Kerry when he called on her at her office. Hasina requested the US to extradite the killers of 'Bangabandhu' and most of his family members, who are living there.

In response to Hasina's request, Kerry said that the US was considering the request.

"I understand your sensitivity, the issue is under review," Kerry said yesterday.

Currently, the Bangladesh government is pursuing diplomatic and legal efforts to bring back six death-row fugitive killers of Bangabandhu, Dhaka Tribune reported.

On August 15, 1975, a group of junior army officers invaded the presidential residence with tanks and killed Mujib, his family and personal staff.Only his daughters Sheikh Hasina Wajed and Sheikh Rehana, who were visiting West Germany, escaped.

At least one of Bangabandhu's fugitive killers, Rashed Chowdhury, is believed to be now living in the US. Recently, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said that he has learnt that death-row convict Rashed's current location was in the US.

Law Minister Anisul Huq also confirmed that Rashed was now living in the US.

The main legal effort of extradition from the US is being carried out by reputed New York-based law firm Skadden for the past two years.