The government is adhering to due legal process in its initiative to bring back ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman has said.
“Whatever is legally required regarding Sheikh Hasina, we are doing in due process. It will be dealt with legally there. You will see that when we take any step, there is no question of emotion here. The point is, I will apply my law,” the minister said.
Asaduzzaman made the comments on Sunday morning following the inaugural ceremony of a workshop titled “Integrity in Judicial Proceedings” held at a hotel in the capital.
The workshop was organised by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), with its Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman in attendance.
When asked by reporters whether a legal fight would be launched in Indian courts to return Sheikh Hasina, the law minister explained that it remains a matter for the Indian government.
“We have requested them under the extradition treaty. If they hand her over to us, we will submit her to the law in due process as required,” he said.
Addressing a query regarding India describing Sheikh Hasina as a state guest rather than a prisoner, Asaduzzaman said her identity to Bangladesh remains that of a convict sentenced by a tribunal.
“To me, she is a convict. A convict sentenced by our tribunal, that is her identity to us,” he remarked, emphasizing that a trial took place in Bangladesh court and mere statements from India would not alter her status.
