Bangladesh’s Law Minister Asaduzzaman has said former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would be arrested if she returns to the country, even before she can surrender before a court.
Hasina is currently in India after leaving Bangladesh amid student protests. Multiple cases have been filed against her in Bangladesh, and she has reportedly been sentenced to death in one case.
In an interview given a few days ago, Hasina said she was prepared to return to Bangladesh without fearing for her life, and that she was discussing with party leaders the possibility of returning by the end of this year.
Responding to this, the minister said Hasina has the right to return, but insisted that the law would take its course. He stated that even if she intends to return and surrender as a Bangladeshi citizen, she would be arrested beforehand, and authorities would use the powers provided by law.
He also noted that the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has cancelled her passport, adding that how she returns is Hasina’s issue and not his.
