Bangladesh
Abdul Momen Canada has now become an arena for murderers: Foreign Minister
Dhaka, Sept 30: The diplomatic landscape is changing. After the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijja raised tensions between India and Canada, Bangladesh has now raised its own complaint against Canada's extradition policy. Canada's refusal to extradite Noor Chowdhury, the murderer of Bangladesh's Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is now at the center of this controversy. In an exclusive interview with 'India Today', Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said, "Canada cannot be the home of murderers. On the one hand, the killers are safe in Canada, on the other hand, the family members of the deceased are living in hardship."
These sharp criticisms suggest Canada's stance on extradition, particularly its stance against the death penalty, is becoming a 'protective shield' for criminals. Elaborating on the issue of death penalty, Momen said, “Our judiciary is very independent and the government cannot interfere in it. If both Noor Chowdhury and Rashid Chowdhury return to Bangladesh and apply for a pardon to the President of the country, the President may grant their plea and commute their sentences from death to life imprisonment."
The foreign minister's remarks touched on global concerns about human rights abuses.
"Many times the concept of human rights is being misused by many people. It is really unfortunate because it has become an excuse for some people to protect murderers and terrorists," he asserted.
Extradition politics to countries like Canada, Bangladesh and India have a larger explanation. They emphasize the challenges countries face in balancing international law, human rights and national security. Although Canada is steadfast in its stance on human rights, it is increasingly seen by its partners as a safety shield for criminals and terrorists. With Bangladesh's claim, the spotlight is now on Canada's extradition policy. The events will not only affect bilateral relations but also set a precedent for how countries around the world deal with the complex issue of extradition.
