The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Mutual Legal Assistant Treaty (MLAT) and SAARCPOL are likely to figure prominently at the second SAARC Home Ministers conference to be held in New Delhi on October 23-26. LGRD Advisor Anwarul Iqbal will lead a 9-member Bangladesh delegation to the conference that would also discuss issues like smuggling of drugs, women-children trafficking and money laundering. Under the proposed MLAT, SAARC member states would extend legal cooperation to each other in dealing with arresting criminals, checking drug smuggling and women trafficking.

Briefing newsmen after an inter-ministerial meeting on preparation for the SAARC Home Ministers conference, Advisor Anwarul Iqbal said the Delhi conference would also discuss the formation of SAARCPOL in the model of EUROPOL.

The issue of SAARCPOL (SAARC Police) was discussed and agreed in principle at the first SAARC Home Ministers conference held in Dhaka last year.

Iqbal, a former Inspector General of Police, said they would also raise the issue of bringing back 600 to 700 Bangladeshi terrorists now hiding in India.

The delegation would include Home Secretary Abdul Karim and IGP Nur Mohammad.

According to conference schedule, meetings of the SAARC police chiefs will be held on October 23, Home Secretaries on October 24, Home Ministers on October 25 and roundtable representing all on October 26.