Agreement with India will be respected to bring back Sheikh Hasina: Household Advisor

The government will follow the existing agreement with India to return former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said today (October 19).

Regarding the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Tribunal against Sheikh Hasina and former minister Obaidul Quader and efforts to bring them back to the country, the adviser said: “The Adviser on Foreign Affairs has already addressed this issue at length in the media. We have an agreement with India in this regard and we will definitely follow this agreement.”

Briefing reporters at the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) headquarters in Rajshahi, the adviser warned that legal action will be taken against those who file frivolous or malicious cases to harass people.

Asked whether the government has any specific information about Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and former Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, the adviser said: “We do not have any specific information about them. However, if you have such information, you can share it and you will be rewarded for your help.”

Addressing reporters, Jahangir said, “Journalists will be rewarded if they can provide information about the whereabouts of influential (Awami League) leaders in hiding.”

When asked about public concerns about the police’s inability to function effectively, the councilor said the police had made significant progress since August 5 compared to the previous state.

“The troops are recovering from injury. Although full recovery will take time, progress has been made and will continue,” he added.