Dhaka, Feb 18 (V7N) –Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday said a primary objective of the government is to bring Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh for trial.
"Following the United Nations’ report, pressure is mounting to repatriate her," Shafiqul said during a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital, in response to a question on the possibility of Hasina's trial in absentia if India does not return the ousted prime minister.
Shafiqul said: “The report recently released by the UN Office of Human Rights clearly outlines the nature of crimes she committed. She has been accused of crimes against humanity. After the UN report and similar reports from some human rights organizations, a great deal of pressure has built up.
"As a result of this pressure, India Today conducted a survey which found that 55% of respondents want her to be sent back to Bangladesh, while some prefer her to be sent to another country. Around 16-17% want her to remain in India. The 127-page UN report has explicitly detailed her brutal dictatorship over the past 15-16 years.”
The press secretary said: “I believe that after the UN report, the pressure will increase further. We have formally requested India for her extradition. Our efforts will continue. We want her to be brought back and tried in person. The people of Bangladesh want to see her trial. Bringing her under legal jurisdiction is our highest priority. We are doing everything necessary to achieve that.”
Regarding rumours of the resignation of three advisers, Shafiqul said: “It is not appropriate to make remarks based on rumours. If anything substantial happens, you will be informed.”
When asked about the government's stance on the Awami League’s participation in the upcoming general election, he said: “We have repeatedly stated our position on the Awami League’s participation in the election. The people of Bangladesh will decide on this matter.
"However, one thing is certain—those among the Awami League leaders, activists, and supporters who were involved in the July massacre, as well as previous incidents of enforced disappearances, murders, massacres, and corruption, will all face trial. This is a must. Once this process is completed, the people and political parties of Bangladesh will decide the future of the Awami League.”
END/MSS/AJ
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