Home adviser renews vow to take action over Hamid's departure

Legal action will be taken against all those found responsible for the departure of the former president Abdul Hamid from the country, reiterated Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury today (10 May).

"Some officials have already been suspended and others have been attached (transferred) pending investigation. Once the committee submits its findings, necessary legal actions will be taken against those found guilty," he said while talking to reporters after visiting the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in the morning.

A probe committee has been formed asking it to submit its report within three working days, he said.

The adviser also mentioned that his visit to the airport was part of an effort to observe current immigration procedures firsthand.

"I haven't travelled abroad since 2011. So, I arrived here to understand the system better. I found that the immigration process has improved significantly compared to the past," he added.

When asked about the existence of a travel restriction issued by the Special Branch (SB) against the former president prior to his departure, Chowdhury said, "I am not aware whether any such restriction was sent to us. I currently have no information on that. Since you've mentioned it, I will look into the matter."

He emphasised that the investigation committee will thoroughly examine all aspects and ensure accountability.

"Those who are guilty will definitely be punished," the adviser said.

Earlier on 8 May, two senior police officers were withdrawn and two others were suspended for their negligence in performing duties that helped former President Abdul Hamid to leave the country.

Of the police officers, police super of Kishoreganj Mohammad Hasan Chowdhury and an additional superintendent of immigration police Tahsina Arif were withdrawn while SI Azharul Islam, investigation officer in the July uprising case filed against Abdul Hamid and others and ATSI Md Solaiman of Special Branch (SB) of police were suspended.

The Police Headquarters also formed a three-member investigation committee headed by additional IG (admin) Md Matiur Rahman Sheikh to probe the incident.

Former president Abdul Hamid, ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, and 122 others were accused in a July uprising case filed with Kishoreganj Sadar Model Police Station on 14 January.

They were accused of involving in an attack on the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement during the July Uprising in Kishoreganj.

Asked about the public sufferings due to the road blockages demanding a ban on AL, he called upon all concerned to hold their protests at a different place instead of the roads so that the people do not suffer.

He urged the journalists to play an effective role in this connection by making people aware of it.

Replying to a question on government efforts to bring back ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina through Interpol, he said the efforts are on.

"We're trying to make it through the Interpol which will take measures as per their laws," he said.

The former president left the country for Thailand through Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka early Thursday.

Later that day, two senior police officers were withdrawn and two others were suspended for their negligence in performing duties that helped former President Abdul Hamid to leave the country.

Of the police officers, police super of Kishoreganj Mohammad Hasan Chowdhury and an additional superintendent of immigration police Tahsina Arif were withdrawn while SI Azharul Islam, investigation officer in the July uprising case filed against Abdul Hamid and others and ATSI Md Solaiman of Special Branch (SB) of police were suspended.

The Police Headquarters also formed a three-member investigation committee headed by additional IG (admin) Md Matiur Rahman Sheikh to probe the incident.

Former president Abdul Hamid, ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, and 122 others were accused in a July uprising case filed with Kishoreganj Sadar Model Police Station on 14 January.

They were accused of involving in an attack on the anti-discrimination student movement during the August mass uprising in Kishoreganj.