The government wants to bring ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh through legal means rather than wait for her voluntary return, Information Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said on Tuesday.
Speaking at the government’s weekly press briefing at the Secretariat, Zahed said the demand for Hasina’s extradition was not a tactic to pressure India but a serious request that Dhaka expects New Delhi to consider.
“There is no tactic regarding bringing her back to the country,” he said, adding that the issue had been formally placed before the Indian government as a condition that should be taken seriously.
Referring to Hasina as an accused, an absconding accused and a convicted person sentenced to death, Zahed said the government wanted her returned through legal procedures.
He also expressed dissatisfaction over Hasina being allowed to give interviews to Indian media despite Bangladesh’s objections. Dhaka expects India to prevent her from engaging in such media activities until her extradition, he said.
“If India wants, it can take immediate steps to improve relations by returning Hasina,” Zahed added.
Load-shedding rises in August
Zahed also presented data showing that average daily load-shedding declined in June and July compared with the same months in 2023.
Load-shedding fell from 969 megawatts in June 2023 to 741MW this year, while the July average dropped from 613MW to 460MW.
However, the situation worsened sharply in August, when average daily load-shedding increased to 1,565MW from 360MW in August 2023.
“Everyone knows what crisis occurred in August,” he said.
Action over Badhon attack
Regarding the reported attack on actress Azmeri Haque Badhon in Italy, the adviser said the government had initiated legal proceedings and would take stern action.
He also criticised the Awami League, whose activities are currently banned, and said the government was prepared to take action against any further incidents.
“The process of taking legal action in this regard has begun, and such incidents will not be spared under any circumstances,” Zahed said.
