Govt watching Hasina's actions; she's Bengal's 'butcher': Press secretary

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam today (5 November) said the interim government would apply 'full force of law' if anyone from Bangladesh Awami League tries to engage in any activities defying the ban imposed on those after being encouraged by what former prime minister Sheikh Hasina is saying or directing from India.

"Those who will defy the ban and try to hold meetings or processions will face the law. Our full force of laws will be applied and will be applied very strongly. There will be no deviation from that position. The government will not spare an inch of space," he said, referring to the ban imposed on the AL activities.

The press secretary made the remarks when a journalist drew his attention regarding the remarks made by Hasina staying in India and her party's 'Dhaka Lockdown' programme for 13 November.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 will fix the date for delivering its verdict in the crimes against humanity case against Hasina and two of her top aides on 13 November.

"Hasina is the butcher of Bengal. It is certainly under our monitoring what she is doing or directing staying there (India)," Press Secretary Alam said, stressing that he or she will be brought under the law if anyone tries to engage in any activities being encouraged by a 'killer and fascist leader.'

Alam said law enforcement agencies have been directed in this regard as the activities of the AL are banned.

The press secretary said Hasina is seen talking on many issues through social media platforms, even describing them as terrorists who joined the July Uprising.

Alam also referred to the meeting between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi where Hasina's activities were flagged.

"Let the verdict (against Hasina) be delivered. After the verdict, our Ministry of Foreign Affairs will probably take up this with India," said the Press Secretary, noting that Bangladesh has already sought Hasina's extradition through diplomatic channels.

Alam claimed that there are clear documents in the UN report on what kind of crimes she committed and requested the journalists to read it.

On 6 October, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said this is a 'judicial legal process' and it requires 'engagement and consultations' between the two governments.

"We are examining these issues. We look forward to working together with Bangladesh authorities on these issues," he said while responding to a question during an interaction with the members of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.

Beyond that, the Indian Foreign Secretary said, he does not think it would be constructive to say anything further at this point.

A journalist wanted to know about the government's steps regarding the letter reportedly written by former Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen to the UNDP and UN calling for urgent intervention to ensure a credible and participatory election in Bangladesh.

In reply, Press Secretary Alam suggested the journalist ask the question to the UNDP. "You will ask about this to UNDP."

Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahmmad and Assistant Press Secretary Suchismita Tithi were also present.