Fugitives to be brought back to face justice: Shama Obaid

MUNSHIGANJ, July 12: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam said the government is continuing diplomatic efforts to bring back individuals who fled Bangladesh so they can stand trial and have their sentences enforced.

"The process of bringing them back to Bangladesh to complete their trials and execute their sentences began during the tenure of the interim government and is still underway," she said while addressing a seminar and cultural programme titled "Women's Advancement: Education and Career" at the Munshiganj Sadar Upazila Parishad auditorium on Saturday.

She said the government has been maintaining diplomatic communication with the countries where the fugitives are believed to be staying.

"All necessary procedures are in progress. God willing, they will be brought back and tried before the people of Bangladesh," she said.

Referring to the previous government, the state minister alleged that Bangladesh had been under a "fascist government" for 17 years without a public mandate.

She claimed that Sheikh Hasina had been convicted and sentenced, adding that several other "autocrats" had also been punished. 

The programme was chaired by Munshiganj Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Syeda Nurmahal Ashrafi.

Among the special guests were Munshiganj-3 MP Md Kamruzzaman Ratan, Superintendent of Police Md Menhazul Alam, PPM, District Council Administrator AKM Eradat Manu, and Civil Surgeon Dr Sajeda Begum.