The National Council unanimously ratified the BIMSTEC Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters today. The convention aims to strengthen regional cooperation by enabling member states to support each other in tackling terrorism, organised crime, and drug trafficking.
The deputy chairperson of the Natural Resources and Environment Committee said the agreement can strengthen ties among member countries, particularly in the exchange of information and documents related to criminal matters.
“Being part of this BIMSTEC convention can help reduce criminal activities in the country. If we are a member country, it will be easier to access any support we request, which will be difficult if we are not a member,” said Birendra Chimoria, Dy. Chairperson, Natural Resources and Environment Committee, NC.
He added that the only challenge that remains after ratifying the convention is the lack of human resources and budget. According to the MP, the mutual legal assistance process may incur expenses while transmitting evidence to foreign countries and entail expenses for the installation of equipment to carry out the required functions.
Several other members expressed concerns.
“Article 1, Section 3 says that a country must help the requesting country investigate an offender from that country, even if the act isn’t a crime in the country providing the assistance,” said Ugyen Tshering, Eminent Member, NC.“
“The MLA requires the establishment of a separate central agency or office. This will increase costs not only financial expenses, but also additional human resource requirements, especially in terms of expertise,” said Tshewang Rinchen, Samdrup Jongkhar MP, NC.
The house will formally adopt the convention on Friday. The Department of Law and Order will serve as the central authority responsible for receiving and executing requests for assistance.
The agreement was formally signed at the 5th BIMSTEC Summit in 2022, and Bhutan is among the last two countries to ratify it.
Kinley Bidha, Namgay Dema & Devika Pradhan
Edited by Phub Gyem
