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Canada’s Deafening Hush on Deportation of Bangabandhu’s Killer

Published: 26 Nov 2023, 05:12 PM

Canada’s Deafening Hush on Deportation of Bangabandhu’s Killer
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In recent revelations by Canadian national television CBC, the haunting shadows of history have found refuge in Toronto. SHMB Noor Chowdhury, the self-confessed and convicted assassin ofBangladesh's founding father, Bangabandhu Sheikh MujiburRahman, has been unveiled on Canadian soil.

The Fifth Estate’s (CBC’s popular investigative segment) investigative report has laid bare the unsettling truth that a man convicted in absentia for orchestrating one of the most heinous crimes in modern history is living freely within the multicultural embrace of Toronto.

The year 1975 etched a dark chapter in the annals of Bangladesh, as the visionary leader and his family were brutally assassinated. Decades later, Noor Chowdhury, one of the prime culprits, roams unscathed in the Canadian landscape. This revelation has cast a perplexing shadow over Canada’s stance on justice, prompting questions that beg for answers.

Bangladesh, a nation that has relentlessly sought justice for Canada’s Deafening Hush on Deportation of Bangabandhu’s Killerthe martyred leader and his family, is met with a disconcerting silence from Canada. The extradition of Noor Chowdhury, a man convicted for the brutal slaying of a nation’s symbol of resilience, remains a diplomatic tangle that demands scrutiny.

The video evidence of Noor Chowdhury’s presence in Toronto raises the moral bar for Canada. A man convicted for crimes against humanity, whose deeds shook the foundations of a nation, now enjoys a life of freedom in a country celebrated for its commitment to justice and human rights. This disjuncture between Canada’s values and the harbouring of a convicted killer challenges the very essence of justice and accountability.

While Canada has long been a proponent of human rights and a sanctuary for those seeking refuge, its silence on the Bangabandhu killer deportation issue exposes a moral vacuum. The international community looks to Canada not only as a haven for diversity but as a beacon of justice. The reticence on this matter contradicts the principles that underpin Canadian values and the global pursuit of justice.

The diplomatic efforts by the Bangladesh government to negotiate Noor Chowdhury’s extradition signify a commitment to closing the chapter on a painful history. Canada’s role in this process is pivotal, and its silence echoes louder than words. The international community, particularly Bangladesh and its diaspora, anxiously awaits a response that aligns with the principles that define Canada’s global standing.

The Bangabandhu killer deportation issue transcends national boundaries; it is a matter of global significance. Canada’s voice, or lack thereof, will resonate far beyond its borders. The Fifth Estate’s revelation has thrown down the gauntlet, challenging Canada to confront its silence and ensure that justice is not just a word but an action that knows no refuge for those convicted of heinous crimes.

The elusive Noor Chowdhury’s lifein Canada is a tale of escaping justice for decades.In the labyrinth of international justice, his case stands out as a perplexing saga of evasion and elusion. His ability to evade punishment for over two decades and find sanctuary in Canada despite an Interpol red notice is a narrative that warrants meticulous examination.

The convoluted journey of his evasion begins with the heinous crime of 1975, when Bangabandhu Sheikh MujiburRahman and most of his family members were brutally assassinated. Following the subsequent trials, Noor Chowdhury, along with his accomplices, was convicted in absentia for orchestrating the massacre that sent shockwaves through the nascent nation of Bangladesh.

The Interpol red notice, a global alert mechanism, was issued against Noor Chowdhury, branding him an international fugitive. However, despite this global tag, he managed to slip through the dragnet of international law enforcement for over two decades, choosing Canada as his refuge.

So, the question arises: How did Noor Chowdhury, a man on the most-wanted list, manage to find sanctuary in a country celebrated for upholding justice and human rights?Various reports suggest that the loopholes in international extradition laws, coupled with the absence of a formal extradition treaty between Bangladesh and Canada, have provided a cloak of invisibility for Noor Chowdhury.

His evasion seems to be a consequence of the porous nature of international legal frameworks, where the lack of robust mechanisms allows individuals convicted of grave crimes to navigate the gaps and find refuge in jurisdictions that do not have the means or inclination to enforce international arrest warrants.

Furthermore, the ability of Noor Chowdhury to remain underground might also be attributed to the complexities of international diplomacy. The diplomatic dance between nations, the nuances of bilateral relations and the hesitancy of some nations to act on the accusations against individuals involved in historical crimes create an environment conducive to evasion.

The case also underscores the challenges in global cooperation when it comes to ensuring justice for crimes that transcend national boundaries. While the Interpol red notice serves as a symbol of international solidarity against transnational crime, its efficacy relies heavily on the willingness of nations to act upon it. In Noor Chowdhury’s case, the reluctance or inability of the Canadian authorities to act raises questions about the chinks in the armour of international cooperation.

The revelations by CBC, bringing Noor Chowdhury into the limelight in Toronto, have reignited the urgency for justice. Bangladesh's persistent efforts to negotiate Noor Chowdhury’s extradition bring to the fore not only the individual case but the need for a re-evaluation of international legal frameworks that can prevent accused criminals from exploiting jurisdictional gaps.

As the world watches, the case of Noor Chowdhury becomes not just about an individual’s evasion but a test of the international community’s commitment to justice and accountability. In an era where borders are increasingly porous for criminals seeking refuge, the global community must fortify its legal defences to ensure that those who have been convicted of heinous crimes are not allowed to roam freely, evading the long arm of justice.

The quest for justice for the killers of Bangabandhu extends beyond national borders. It is a global call to uphold human rights, combat impunity and ensure that heinous crimes are met with due punishment. The strategic deployment of legal, diplomatic and global collaborative efforts is imperative in securing justice and closing this dark chapter in history.

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