'What Sheikh Hasina? Where did she speak?' Home Minister questions

Home Adviser Salahuddin Ahmed on Friday dismissed claims surrounding recent remarks allegedly made by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, saying there was no evidence that she had appeared publicly or delivered any speech. He also said the people of Bangladesh would not allow those accused of genocide and crimes against humanity to resume political activities in the country.

Speaking to reporters after laying the foundation stone of the new building of the 500-bed Cox's Bazar Medical College Hospital around noon, Salahuddin Ahmed questioned reports of Sheikh Hasina's alleged statements.

"What Sheikh Hasina? Where did she deliver a speech? Has anyone even seen her? Every now and then, only some voices are heard," he said.

The Home Minister alleged that attempts were being made from abroad to create instability in Bangladesh, but expressed confidence that such efforts would fail.

"They are trying to see whether they can create unrest in Bangladesh. But the people of this country will never accept their politics," he said.

Referring to those accused of genocide and crimes against humanity, Salahuddin said they had shown no remorse and had never apologised to the people of Bangladesh.

"Therefore, the people of Bangladesh will never allow them to carry out political activities in this country," he added.

The Minister also said the government no longer attached importance to statements made from abroad.

Earlier in the day, he inaugurated the Cox's Bazar Development Authority's (CDA) Flat Development Project-01. Addressing the event, he urged authorities not to focus solely on constructing buildings and infrastructure, but to prioritise environmentally sustainable tourism.

He said tourism development plans should preserve nature and cover the entire 100-kilometre stretch of Cox's Bazar beach to attract more international visitors.

Salahuddin also said areas declared as Ecologically Critical Areas (ECAs) during the previous government would be reviewed through surveys to determine whether changes were needed to facilitate tourism development.

Responding to questions about the recent incidents of abduction, particularly in Teknaf, the Home Minister said the government would request the Bangladesh Army to establish camps in necessary locations.

He said the General Officer Commanding (GOC) would assess the situation, adding that the government expected the move to significantly reduce crimes such as kidnapping.

The Home Minister arrived in Cox's Bazar on Thursday evening on a two-day visit. After completing Friday's official engagements, he is scheduled to return to Dhaka at 8:00 pm.

-AHSU/HIS