India, Bangladesh ink extradition treaty

Bangladesh and India Monday signed two crucial agreements, including an extradition treaty, on the first day of the two-day visit of India's Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde here.

Bangladeshi Home Minister Muhiuddin Khan Alamgir and Shinde signed the agreements on behalf of their countries, the Daily Star reported.

After their meeting earlier, the two ministers announced the agreements at a joint press conference.

The extradition treaty, designed to tackle terrorism, has, however, some "refusal provisions", the report said.

If extradition of some person poses a threat to national security, the country concerned might refuse the deportation request, a Bangladeshi home ministry official was quoted as saying.

The second accord signed Monday was for a friendlier visa regime for Bangladesh titled "Revised Travel Arrangement" (RTA).

According to the visa accord, businessmen from either side would be given a five-year multiple entry visa.

Those who want to travel on medical grounds would get two-year multiple entry visa, which is extendable for one more year.

In case of medical purpose entry, as many as three attendants of a patient would be entitled to visa.

Bangladeshi Prime Minister's International Affairs Adviser Gowher Rizvi, Minister of State for Home Shamsul Haque Tuku, Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Tariq A. Karim and Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Pankaj Saran were present at the meeting.