Govt ‘sorry, embarrassed’ over attacks on Radda, Salman’s studio: Zahed

There is no need for any third country to become involved in Bangladesh’s efforts to bring former prime minister Sheikh Hasina back from India, Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said on Tuesday.

He described Hasina’s return as a bilateral issue between Bangladesh and India, saying Dhaka was continuing discussions with New Delhi.

“We want her, and she has to be handed over by India,” Zahed told reporters at the government’s weekly press briefing at the Secretariat.

His remarks came in response to recent comments by a US State Department official, who said Washington hoped Bangladesh and India would discuss the matter and reach a solution. The official said the US had not taken a formal position on what should happen to Hasina, but viewed the issue as a major source of friction in Dhaka-New Delhi relations.

Referring to the US position, Zahed said: “What America was trying to convey is actually that this is a bilateral issue; there is really no need for any other country to be involved in it. We also believe so.”

Hasina has been sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity linked to the July Uprising. Zahed described her as a “dangerous accused” and said the offences for which she was convicted were of a different magnitude from ordinary murder.

On recent attacks and vandalism at Radda MCH-FP Centre and content creator Salman Muqtadir’s studio, Zahed said the government was “sorry and embarrassed”, stressing that protecting citizens and their property was the government’s responsibility.

He said anyone found involved in the incidents would be brought under the law following investigation.

Asked whether the government was embarrassed over allegations linking BNP-affiliated people to the attacks, Zahed said the government would be sorry and embarrassed whenever citizens’ rights were violated, property was vandalised or anyone was attacked.

“The state and government have a responsibility to prevent crimes, ensure justice when crimes occur and take steps to prevent their recurrence,” he said.

Zahed said the government did not support violence or vandalism and expressed sympathy for Salman, whom he described as a victim of the attack.

He said Salman had initially alleged that BNP men had demanded extortion from him but later corrected the statement. Zahed also said Jamaat-e-Islami Amir had made a Facebook post based on Salman’s initial claim, which remained online even after the information changed.

Political opposition and criticism of the government were normal, he said, but correcting or withdrawing a statement or post after it was found to be inaccurate was also part of responsible conduct.

The adviser also said people with large online reach, including Salman, should act responsibly in making public statements.