India-Bangladesh Sign Revised Extradition Treaty and the Revised Travel Arrangements (RTA) in Dhaka

The 4th Home Ministers level talks between Bangladesh and India commenced at Dhaka on 28 January. The Bangladesh delegation was led by Dr. Muhiuddin Khan Alamgir, Minister, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Bangladesh and Sushilkumar Shinde, Union Home Minister led the Indian delegation at this two day talk.

The two Home Ministers recalled the excellent and friendly bilateral relations existing between India and Bangladesh and reiterated their commitment to take these multi-faceted relations further. They noted that the exchange of visits by the Prime Ministers of Bangladesh and India in January 2010 and September 2011 respectively had infused a new dynamism in the bilateral relations and opened up new avenues for cooperation between the two countries.

Recalling the recent visit of the Home Minister of Bangladesh to India both sides emphasized the need for conducting such meeting more frequently.

Both the Home Ministers expressed their satisfaction over signing of the Extradition Treaty and the Revised Travel Arrangements (RTA) between the two countries. They expressed their belief that the Extradition Treaty will help to increase cooperation among law enforcing agencies of the two countries and to curb criminal activities. The RTA will ease the visa obtaining procedure and will promote people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Indian Home Minister conveyed the appreciation of Government of India to Government of Bangladesh for extending cooperation for addressing the security concerns of India, particularly in dealing with the Indian Insurgent Groups. Both sides reiterated their commitment to act against the elements inimical to both countries.

Both sides expressed satisfaction at the smooth operation of the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) and agreed to increase number of joint patrolling with a view to curbing criminal activities along the border. They expressed confidence that increased number of coordinated patrolling under the CBMP would enhance cooperation between the border guarding forces of the two countries, and enable them to manage the identified vulnerable areas with a view to preventing criminal activities, illegal movement, acts of violence and loss of lives along the border areas. Both sides agreed to allow development work within 150 yards of zero line. As an additional measure for better border management, both sides agreed to immediately start consultations between the District Commissioner and District Magistrate of border districts for resolving local issues.

Both sides agreed to further intensify the activities of the different nodal points in different areas of cooperation such as human trafficking, drugs, INTERPOL, etc. They expressed satisfaction at the regular interaction of different bilateral mechanisms, including Home Secretary level talks, BGB-BSF DG level Conference, DG level meetings between DNC and DNB etc. and noted that these regular exchanges helped to enhance understanding and resolve issues for mutual satisfaction.

Both sides agreed to extend cooperation for apprehension of wanted criminals and fugitives and in this regard, Bangladesh Home Minister once again urged for immediate tracking, arresting, and handing over the killers of the father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The Indian Home Minister assured that all possible assistance would be extended in this regard, if they are found in India.

Both sides noted that the implementation of three agreements (Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, Agreement on Transfer of Sentenced Persons and Combating Terrorism, organized crime and illicit drug trafficking) signed during the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India in 2010 has been satisfactory. Both sides agreed to take immediate measures for repatriation of released prisoners and victims of trafficking.

Both sides discussed the ratification of the Land Boundary Agreement -1974 by the Government of India and the protocol signed in 2011 and noted that early ratification of the same would pave the way for implementation of the provisions of the agreement and resolve the long pending boundary related issues.

[Source: PIB (MoHA) Press Release dated 28^th January 2013]