PM requests Canada to deport Noor

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday asked the Canadian government to extradite Noor Chowdhury, one of the self- proclaimed killers of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

"One of the convicted killers of Bangabandhu is now residing in your country, extradite him," she told outgoing Canadian High Commissioner Benoit-Pierre Laramee at her office.

The PM's press secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.

He said the Canadian high commissioner said he would convey this to his government.

During the meeting, Laramee said his country wants to see an inclusive election in Bangladesh. "You need to have stability as Bangladesh is heading towards becoming a middle-income country in the next two years," he said.

The prime minister said the Awami League government assuming power in 1996 restored the rights of the people, which were absent after Bangabandhu's assassination in 1975.

She mentioned that the AL government introduced the transparent ballot box for election. Before the 10th general election she proposed formation of an election-time coalition government "but the BNP didn't respond to that proposal”, she said.

Hasina said her government was working hard for the welfare of the country's 16 crore people.

Appreciating Hasina's role in different international forums, the Canadian envoy said Bangladesh was also advancing in various sectors in the country. "Bangladesh has advanced a lot in education and health sectors...this is a very commendable job indeed."

He said Canada would continue its assistance to Bangladesh in various development sectors.

Laramee also said Canada is one of the countries in the world that recognised Bangladesh after its independence. "We have our hearts for Bangladesh. The relation between the two countries is growing steadily."