Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman has said that if former prime minister Sheikh Hasina returns to Bangladesh, action will be taken according to the country’s existing laws.
He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after a memorandum of understanding was signed Thursday at the ministry’s conference room in the Secretariat.
The MoU was signed between the Directorate of Legal Aid, Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), and BRAC’s Social Empowerment and Legal Protection (SELP) programme.
Asked about the government’s stance following Hasina’s announcement to return in December, the minister said the government is working through the relevant process, and the foreign ministry is taking necessary steps regarding extradition.
“How she returns is her personal matter. Once she enters Bangladesh’s legal jurisdiction, action will be taken under the law,” he said.
He added, “If Sheikh Hasina returns, I will exercise the authority given to me by law. The law will run its own course.”
The minister further said, “Even a convict sentenced to death has the right to surrender if he is a Bangladeshi citizen and respects the law. However, if necessary, arrest may take place before surrender.”
On the question of how Hasina would return without a passport, he said it is a matter for the individual concerned, while the government’s responsibility is to act according to the law.
On recent comments by Human Rights Watch, the minister said the government will not ignore any allegations or observations. Such matters will be examined seriously, and necessary steps will be taken.
Regarding the presidential election, the minister said no formal discussion has yet taken place within the government. He noted that under Article 123(2) of the Constitution, a new president must be elected within 90 days of the office becoming vacant.
He also said, the next parliamentary session will also be held within the constitutional timeframe, so the government currently sees no need for a special session for the presidential election, though one could be called if required.
