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Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Asaduzzaman stated that if the ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina returns to the country, action will be taken according to prevailing law. He said that while Sheikh Hasina has the right to surrender as a citizen of Bangladesh, law enforcement agencies may arrest her before surrender if they deem it necessary.
He made this statement on Thursday (July 30) in response to journalists’ questions at the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Directorate of Bangladesh Legal Aid Services, Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), and the Social Empowerment and Legal Protection Program (SELP)-BRAC, held at the conference room of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.
The Law Minister said that even if an individual is a convicted or death-row prisoner, they can return to Bangladesh as a citizen and surrender out of respect for the law. However, law enforcement agencies retain the power to arrest them before surrender if they deem it necessary.
Responding to a question about Sheikh Hasina’s recent interview regarding her potential return to the country, he stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is taking necessary steps concerning extradition. However, how she will return is her personal matter. Once she enters Bangladesh’s legal jurisdiction, action will be taken against her according to the law.
He said, “The power that the law has given me will be exercised. The law will take its own course.”
Responding to a question about the presidential election, the Law Minister said that the government has not yet held any formal discussions on the matter. According to the constitution, the election must be completed within 90 days of the presidential office becoming vacant. Therefore, the government currently sees no need to convene a special session on this issue, but a special session could be called if necessary.
Regarding recent comments by the international human rights organization Human Rights Watch, he stated that the government would not disregard any complaints or observations. If complaints arise, they will be seriously scrutinized and necessary action will be taken.
