Abdul Hamid wasn't arrested because he's not wanted right now: Home adviser

Highlights:

• Home adviser says Hamid not arrested as no warrant against him
• Says investigation ongoing; legal action if wrongdoing found
• Hamid returns from Bangkok after treatment
• He is accused in July Uprising murder case

Former president Abdul Hamid has not been arrested upon his return to Bangladesh as there is currently no arrest warrant issued against him, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said today (9 June).

"Since there is no warrant against him [Hamid], the question of arrest does not arise," said Jahangir, adding that an investigation is ongoing.

He said legal action will be taken against Hamid if evidence confirms his involvement in any wrongdoing.

Speaking to reporters at around 11:30am after inspecting Jatrabari Police Station in Dhaka, the adviser said, "Some cases have not been investigated yet. Once investigations are completed, anyone found guilty will be brought under the law. We want to ensure that no innocent person is punished, as you all demand.

"Allow us to complete the investigation first. Whoever is guilty will be punished accordingly."

Former president Hamid returned to Dhaka at around 1:30am today (9 June) via Thai Airways flight TG-339, following medical treatment in Bangkok.

After completing immigration formalities, which took about 90 minutes, Hamid exited the VIP lounge at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at around 3am under strict security measures. He was accompanied by his son and brother-in-law.

The former president is one of the accused in a murder case filed in connection with last year's July Uprising. The case was registered on 14 January this year at Kishoreganj Sadar Police Station.

The same case also names several high-profile figures, including ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, son Sajeeb Ahmed Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, and Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader.

Hamid's initial departure to Thailand for medical purposes on 8 May was met with widespread controversy and mass protests demanding answers from authorities.

When the news of his exit became known, an additional deputy commissioner of the Immigration Police was withdrawn due to alleged negligence in their duties regarding their connection to the departure.

An officer of the Special Branch was also suspended on the same grounds.

The government had formed a high-level committee, including three members of the Advisory Council, to investigate his quiet departure.

On 8 May, the home affairs adviser had even vowed to step down if he failed to bring those who collaborated with Hamid to allow his departure to book.

Warning of strict actions, adviser Jahangir said no one will be spared who facilitated the former president's departure.

"Of course, action will be taken. No one will be spared under any circumstances. Those involved in it must be punished," he said, adding that he would resign if it does not happen.