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Bangladesh seeks return of Mujib's killers

United States President Bill Clinton returned to New Delhi late tonight from a day's visit to Bangladesh, to formally open tomorrow a state visit to India that is expected to usher in a new relationship between the two countries.

Clinton's stay of more than 12 hours in Bangladesh saw him pledge $150 million in aid to the impoverished country. He also promised to pursue a strong partnership with Dhaka.

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed made a formal request for the extradition from the US of about a dozen army officers sentenced to death for involvement in the assassination of her father and the founder of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rehman.

Earlier in the day, President Shahabuddin Ahmad and Prime Minister Wajed warmly welcomed President Clinton to the boom of a 21-gun salute amidst unprecedented security. This was the first visit by an American head of state to Bangladesh. The armed forces presented a guard of honour.

Bangledeshi fighter jets escorted the presidential aircraft as it entered the country's air space. Dhaka airport was closed for 14 hours for security reasons, cutting all air links with the country.

Clinton was later seen off ceremonially at Dhaka airport by President Ahmad and Sheikh Hasina.

UNI

CLINTON VISITS INDIA : The complete coverage

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