Government has no hesitation in bringing Sheikh Hasina back: Dr Zahed

The government has no hesitation in bringing Sheikh Hasina back to the country, whether she returns on her own or is extradited from India, said Prime Minister's Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman.

He made the remarks while responding to a question from journalists at a press briefing on the progress of various government activities on Tuesday, September 8.

Dr Zahed Ur Rahman said the speculations being made by some about whether the government wants to bring Sheikh Hasina back are not correct. The government has no strategy of raising the demand for extradition to put pressure on India. The matter was given as a condition in discussions with India, and it has been conveyed that it should be taken seriously.

He said the government wants Sheikh Hasina to return to the country. "Sheikh Hasina is an accused, a fugitive accused, and she has been sentenced to death," he said.

The Information and Broadcasting Adviser also spoke about Sheikh Hasina's option for appeal. He said the Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal has stated that Sheikh Hasina no longer has any scope for appeal. Therefore, she will not have the opportunity to seek a review of the trial if she returns to the country.

Dr Zahed Ur Rahman said in the current situation, if Sheikh Hasina returns, the death penalty awaits her, and the government wants to bring her back.

He also raised questions about the role of the Indian government, noting that Sheikh Hasina had recently given interviews to various Indian media outlets. In his view, India should take steps to ensure that Sheikh Hasina cannot engage in such activities, at least until extradition takes place.

He said if India wants to improve Bangladesh-India relations, it can take an immediate step: to prevent Sheikh Hasina from giving media statements.

Dr Zahed Ur Rahman also commented that there is no clear information about what kind of status or rights Sheikh Hasina is enjoying in India.

He said India should understand the anger being created among the people of Bangladesh due to Sheikh Hasina's statements. He also referred to incidents where Bangladeshis have been victims of attacks in recent times.

He also said a climate of trust needs to be created for the improvement of Bangladesh-India relations. In this regard, he called on India to engage more effectively with Bangladesh.

Presenting the government's demand for Sheikh Hasina's extradition as an important position, he said the government has no strategy or dual position on bringing her back. Whether she returns on her own or is extradited from India, the government wants to bring her back.