Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman on Friday said former prime minister Sheikh Hasina should return to Bangladesh in December and face legal proceedings over the allegations and convictions against her.
“Sheikh Hasina has said she will return to the country in December. I also want to believe that she will return in December, take responsibility for the genocide and go to prison. Let her follow the legal path. The reach of the law is very long, and the law will take its own course,” he said.
The minister made the remarks as chief guest at a discussion titled “Agamir Shailkupa” and a memorial meeting for renowned artist Mustafa Monwar at the Shailkupa Upazila Parishad auditorium in Jhenaidah at 11am.
Referring to Hasina, Asaduzzaman alleged that she had been involved in killings, enforced disappearances and genocide.
“My only comment regarding Sheikh Hasina is that we cannot deny what happened in Bangladesh, and we cannot deny her involvement in killings, enforced disappearances and genocide. If she wants to face those truths, she must return,” he said.
Speaking about Hasina’s possible return and reported plans to address supporters remotely, the minister said she remained a fugitive accused and a convicted criminal.
“Those who are saying she will hold a video conference, she did not appear in a video conference. She sent an audio-recorded message. Many are saying it was AI-generated,” he said.
“Whether she returns or appears through a conference, she is a fugitive accused to me. She is a death-row convict,” he added.
The minister further alleged that Hasina was accused over the deaths of 4,500 people in crossfire incidents and the killing of 1,400 people during the July Revolution. Addressing those discussing her possible return, Asaduzzaman questioned whether Hasina had ever apologised to the public for the alleged crimes.
“Put your hand on your chest and tell me — after so many crimes, has she apologised to the people? Has she ever felt that she committed a crime?” he said.
The law minister also spoke about his vision for the judiciary, saying it should become an institution where poor and helpless people can place their trust.
“My dream judiciary is one where a poor, helpless person feels that, after the Creator, this is the place where they can put their trust and faith,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that the judiciary still faced significant problems.
While some people point to corruption, touts or inadequate infrastructure, Asaduzzaman said he considered the shortage of judges with strong human values to be its biggest challenge.
“Judges must remember: ‘I have come here to establish justice and to exercise the sovereign power bestowed by the Creator,’” he said.
Jhenaidah Deputy Commissioner Md Noman Hossain, Superintendent of Police Miah Mohammad Ashish Bin Hasan, Shailkupa Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Mahfuzur Rahman and Shailkupa Upazila BNP General Secretary Humayun Babar Firoz attended the event.
Representatives of the district administration, police, political parties and different professional groups also participated in the discussion and memorial meeting.
