DHAKA: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged the government of Canada to return Noor Chowdhury, the man who killed Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on August 15 in 1975. 

Sheikh Hasina reiterated the call to outgoing Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Benoit- Pierre Laramee as he made a farewell call on her on Sunday (Aug 13).

After the meeting, PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim told reporters, "The Prime Minister sought Noor Chowdhury's extradition. In response the envoy said that he would convey Bangladesh's concern to the Canadian authority."

When Awami League came to power in 1996 general elections and initiated the process to expose to justice the August 15 in 1975 carnage, Nur Chowdhury then fled the country to evade justice and took shelter in Canada. 

The press secretary said the issue of next election also came in their discussion as they exchanged views on holding an inclusive and transparent general election.

Sheikh Hasina said her party has played the pioneer role in restoring the democratic rights of the people. There was no transparent system to hold free and fair election from 1975 to 1990, she said, adding "we have introduced the transparent ballot box and voters' list with photographs".

Recalling that Canada is one of the first countries to recognize Bangladesh after 1971 independence, the envoy said relations between the two countries are growing steadily and assured continued support for Bangladesh's development.  

BDST: 1820 HRS, AUG 13, 2017
AP