Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman has provided assurances that no extrajudicial measures will be taken against Sheikh Hasina should she return to Bangladesh.
Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat on Tuesday to mark the government’s three-month tenure, the Adviser addressed the status of the former Prime Minister, who fled to India following her ousting during the July mass uprising.
He emphasised that the foundational goal of the newly formed Bangladesh is to uphold “insaf” [justice], even towards one’s enemies.
“We sought to remove Sheikh Hasina from power because she did not provide justice,” Zahed said.
“The main objective of the Bangladesh that has been created next is that there will be justice. There will be justice even towards the enemy. We will have justice towards Sheikh Hasina.”
He further clarified that if the former Prime Minister is returned to the country, she will not face any extrajudicial treatment.
Although the International Crimes Tribunal has issued a death sentence against her in a case involving fatalities during the 2024 uprising, Zahed noted that she would be permitted to defend herself legally.
“If she is acquitted of her death sentence, speaking technically, we will respect that. And if not, it will be executed. This is what justice is, because a death sentence can also be justice,” the adviser pointed out.
While the interim government and the BNP have called for her extradition, India has yet to respond to these requests, though the Awami League leader has claimed in various interviews that she intends to return soon.
In addition to the judiciary, Zahed discussed institutional reforms regarding the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), stating that the force will no longer function as it previously did. Following a declaration by the Home Minister, a new law is being actively developed to govern the elite force.
Until now, RAB has operated under an option within the Armed Police Battalion (APBn). The Adviser indicated that the forthcoming “full-fledged law” will ensure RAB’s operations are “well-defined.”
He noted that this reform effectively addresses the BNP’s previous demands for the abolition of the force, adding that the name of the organisation is also likely to be changed.
