Government wants Sheikh Hasina, all other accused brought back: Information Minister

The government wants to bring back Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India, and all other accused absconding abroad, in the interest of justice.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Andaleeve Rahman Partho disclosed this information at a weekly press briefing organised at the Information Department's (PID) conference room at the Secretariat on Tuesday, August 25, to update on the progress of various government activities.

At the start of the event, the Information Minister unveiled the cover of a book titled 'I Have a Plan: 6 Months of Democratic Journey', published by the Information Department, highlighting the government's special achievements over six months.

Responding to journalists' questions, the Information Minister said, "Not just Sheikh Hasina, but all those against whom cases are pending in Bangladesh and who are currently abroad, we want all of them back in the country."

Regarding the diplomatic efforts to bring back Sheikh Hasina, Andaleeve Rahman Partho said, "We know Sheikh Hasina is currently in India. The necessary conditions and requests have been made to India from the Bangladesh government to bring her back."

Citing a report in the Indian media outlet The Indian Express, the Information Minister said, "The published report stated that the Indian side could consider the matter of sending back Sheikh Hasina through judicial processes. I think if the matter is left to the court rather than a direct political decision, that would not be very good news for her."

At the same event, commenting on fascist ideology, he said, "If anyone supports or promotes fascism in their intellectual thinking, we have nothing to do but socially condemn it. Those who do not believe in the spirit of a free Bangladesh and the new independent Bangladesh, social boycott is the biggest punishment for them."

Regarding media freedom under the current government, the minister said, "Believing in democracy is a matter of mindset. The mindset we have seen over the last 17 years was one of opposing criticism. But the current government or the Prime Minister has no intention of curbing media freedom or controlling the media."

Highlighting the picture of the state institutional system during the previous government's tenure, he further added, "Over the past 17 years, all systems in the country were corrupt. After such a fragile situation, the government has taken over and is going through one of the most difficult periods in the country's history. In this situation, we expect objective criticism from you so that we can correct our mistakes and move forward on the right path."

Notably, in August 2024, Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power in the face of a student-public mass uprising and took refuge in India. She has been staying there since then.