Sheikh Hasina must surrender and go to jail if she returns: State Minister for Foreign Affairs

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed has said that if former prime minister Sheikh Hasina returns to the country, she must surrender and go to jail according to the law .

She made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday . When asked what legal process would be followed if Sheikh Hasina returned, the state minister said, "If Sheikh Hasina returns to Bangladesh, she must surrender according to the law. She will have to go to jail. After that, the law will take its own course" .

Referring to political statements made by the convicted fugitive from abroad, Shama Obaed said, "If any accused gives political statements without surrendering, I see it as an attempt to incite party leaders and activists who are on the run. I don't see any other reason" .

The state minister also said that the government's diplomatic and legal processes regarding Sheikh Hasina's return are ongoing. "Whatever diplomatic process exists with any country on such matters is being followed," she said . "If any accused surrenders, necessary action will be taken according to Bangladesh's existing laws" .

Asked about the official protests lodged by Bangladesh during the interim government over Sheikh Hasina's statements from India, the state minister said not all matters are disclosed to the media. "We have regular diplomatic communication and discussions with India, where these issues also come up," she said . "Whether an accused is outside the country or not, whether they surrender or not, their trial will proceed according to the provisions of the law" .