Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated on Tuesday that the government did not have information regarding Obaidul Quader's location in the country after the ouster of the Awami League government on August 5.
"We did not have any information regarding Obaidul Quader's location in the country. Had we known, he would have been arrested," Jahangir Alam said in response to a query about the former minister's whereabouts after the fall of the AL government. He was speaking to reporters following a special meeting on law and order at the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner's office in Old Dhaka.
According to a media report, Obaidul Quader was hiding in the country for three months and five days after the fall of the AL government on August 5 amid an uprising of students and people. He fled to the Indian state of Kolkata via Shillong on November 8.
The International Crimes Tribunal has asked police authorities to explain how Obaidul Quader left the country after around three months. The adviser said, "Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave scope to escape 16 MPs of her family before the ouster of the government. Communication is ongoing to bring her back and face trial through Interpol. Those who are specifically accused of involvement in killings will be arrested."
After August 5, many law enforcement officers returned to duty, but some fled after cases were filed against them. When asked if there was a failure in law enforcement related to this issue, Jahangir Alam said that he had no information indicating that anyone had fled after returning to work, emphasising that most officers never resumed their duties. "The police officials who are absconding are considered criminals to us. Legal action will be taken if they are located," he said. Regarding efforts to collaborate with Interpol to bring Sheikh Hasina back, Jahangir said that they had sent a notice to the international body and subsequently reminded them to issue it.
Addressing the filing of random criminal cases, he said, "We have communicated multiple times through media. We want to assure once again that those who are not guilty will not face harm."
In response to queries about the police's moral strength, the home adviser indicated that it has improved compared to earlier times. "Change takes time; I cannot alter the moral strength within two days. It requires patience," he said.
