Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman has said the return of fugitive and convicted individuals, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader, from India is an important condition for easing relations between Bangladesh and India.
He made the remarks at a press briefing on the progress of different ministries and various contemporary issues, held at the conference room of the Press Information Department (PID) at the Secretariat on Tuesday afternoon.
The adviser said Bangladesh had raised the issue of repatriating Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives with Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh during a recent courtesy meeting.
“During our meeting with the High Commissioner, we clearly raised, from our side, the issue of bringing back Sheikh Hasina and all other fugitives in India,” Zahed said.
“We have conveyed that the Indian government should consider this matter seriously in the interest of strengthening a working engagement with Bangladesh,” he added.
Asked whether Bangladesh was also seeking the return of Obaidul Quader and other accused individuals along with Sheikh Hasina, Zahed replied, “If we are seeking Sheikh Hasina, why would we not seek Obaidul Quader and others as well?”
“This is a very important condition for easing relations with Bangladesh,” he said, referring to the government’s call for India to hand over the fugitives.
Zahed also alleged that Sheikh Hasina’s “brutality” extended beyond the July mass uprising and continued for years, involving a number of individuals.
Commenting on social media statements made by fugitive accused persons living abroad, the adviser said their activities were hurting public sentiment in Bangladesh.
“They are living a life of comfort abroad. They are making various statements or giving advice on social media, which is severely hurting the sentiments of the people of Bangladesh,” he said.
“We hope the Indian government will understand this sentiment and sensitivity of the people of Bangladesh and hand them over,” he added.
Zahed said ensuring justice for crimes committed during the Awami League’s rule remains the government’s top priority.
“The party that suffered most under Awami mafia rule is now at the helm of the state. There will be no compromise on justice,” he said.
He added that anyone facing allegations would have the opportunity to appear before the court, as the judiciary is now functioning independently.
Local government polls
On the upcoming local government elections, Zahed said the Election Commission is constitutionally independent in conducting national and presidential elections, while decisions regarding local government polls are made through discussions with the government.
“The government’s decision on local government elections is extremely important. The EC and the government will jointly take the final decision on local government elections,” he said.
He said the upcoming local government elections would be fully participatory and would be held without the use of party symbols.
Responding to questions about sending 10,000 Bangladeshi workers to Malaysia, the adviser said information provided by the concerned ministry confirmed that the workers would be sent without recruitment costs.
He also called for a change in the mindset of government officials and citizens to ensure better public services, saying the use of the word “sir” should not be made mandatory in government offices.
On the government’s plans regarding battery-powered auto-rickshaws, Zahed said the government does not intend to completely ban the vehicles because they are an important means of livelihood and transport for a large number of people.
“The livelihood and mobility of a large number of people are linked to auto-rickshaws,” he said.
He added that the government was working quickly on a policy to bring battery-run auto-rickshaws under specific safety standards and designated routes.
Principal Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed and Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Dr Md Alam Mostafa were present at the briefing.
