Bangladesh seeks return of Sheikh Hasina and other accused from India to ease relations

Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting, said this while responding to journalists' questions at the regular briefing on the progress of various government activities at the conference room of the Department of Information in the Secretariat on Tuesday (September 15).

He said Bangladesh's position regarding the repatriation of Sheikh Hasina and other accused persons staying in India has been clearly conveyed. The matter was also discussed in a recent meeting with Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi.

Zahed Ur Rahman said repatriating the accused is important for easing bilateral relations and creating an environment of effective communication and mutual cooperation. He said that along with Sheikh Hasina, Obaidul Quader and other accused persons will also be sought back from the relevant countries.

Raising allegations of torture and various crimes against Sheikh Hasina, the information adviser said these incidents were not limited only to the period of July. He claimed that such incidents took place over a long period and various individuals were involved in them.

He said the accused persons are living normal lives on foreign soil and making various statements on social media. He also remarked that the matter has created a deep reaction among the people of Bangladesh.

The information adviser said it is expected that the Indian government, taking into consideration the feelings of the people of Bangladesh, will hand over the accused persons to the Bangladesh government. He also said efforts to bring them back will continue.

India acknowledges unresolved issues

Regarding the meeting with the Indian High Commissioner, Zahed Ur Rahman said there are some unresolved issues between the two countries—the Indian High Commissioner also acknowledged this.

He said the matter has been viewed positively. Along with the existing problems, the Indian High Commissioner emphasized maintaining relations and communication between the two countries. He also said India has been urged to take positive steps, taking into consideration the sensitivity of the people of Bangladesh.