No surrender option for Sheikh Hasina upon return, says Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday said there would be no scope for former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to surrender  as she would be arrested immediately upon return and the court verdict against her would be executed in accordance with the law.

He said this at a discussion titled "The Day that Changed the Course of the Mass Uprising" at the TSC Auditorium of Dhaka University as the chief guest. The programme was organised by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal as part of its month-long observance marking the second anniversary of the July-August mass uprising.

“We have always wanted her return through legal means. During the interim government’s tenure, a letter was sent(to Indian government) under the extradition treaty and we have also sent reminders. We want her brought back to Bangladesh so that the verdict against her can be executed," he added.

The minister said he had made the government's position clear in Parliament a day earlier.

Salahuddin Ahmed also said efforts were underway to bring back other former ministers, MPs and government officials who had supported the previous Awami League government and are now staying abroad.

"We have issued Interpol arrest warrants against those who took shelter in different countries. Benazir Ahmed has already been arrested under that process. We hope to bring him back soon and face trial," he said.

He said the government wanted to ensure justice for everyone.

"Those involved in genocide and those who attacked freedom-loving people of Bangladesh like the Pakistani occupation forces also have the right to due process, and we will bring them to justice," he added.

Addressing students, Salahuddin said Dhaka University historically led democratic movements beginning with the Language Movement of 1952 and continuing through the struggle for independence and democratic rights.

"The students of DU have always been the driving force behind Bangladesh's democratic struggles. Across the world, students have played decisive roles in shaping history and bringing political change," he said. 

He paid tribute to Abu Sayeed, Wasim Akram, Mugdha and others who were killed during the July movement, describing the uprising as a chapter written in blood.

Salahuddin Ahmed said preserving democracy would be more difficult than achieving it.

"We do not want democracy to be suppressed by any authoritarian force again. That is why we want constitutional and state reforms," he said.

He said BNP had earlier proposed its 31-point state reform outline which was later reflected in its election manifesto.

He said the government wanted the political future of the Awami League to be determined through due judicial process rather than by executive order.

"We do not believe in banning a political party through administrative orders. It must go through judicial and legal processes," he said.

Drawing a comparison with the post-World War II Nuremberg Trials, Salahuddin said political organisations responsible for atrocities could also face legal consequences.

Salahuddin Ahmed urged political forces not to use the spirit of July for partisan purposes.

"July is our shared spirit and our collective strength. No single group can claim exclusive ownership of its achievements. The credit belongs to the people of Bangladesh who fought against fascism," he said. 

He stressed the importance of maintaining the unity forged during the anti-authoritarian movement to prevent the return of authoritarianism.

BNP Joint Secretary General Habib Un Nabi Khan Sohel and Chief Whip of Parliament Nurul Islam Moni and BNP Student Affairs Secretary Rakibul Islam Bakul attended the programme as special guests. Leaders of various student organisations were also present at the event.