Dr. Asif Nazrul, a professor in the Department of Law at Dhaka University and the Law Adviser to the interim government, has called upon Sheikh Hasina to return to the country.
In his Facebook post on Saturday, Dr. Nazrul wrote, "Welcome, Sheikh Hasina. The interim government had formally requested India to repatriate Sheikh Hasina. The current BNP government has also taken the same initiative. The government states that it intends to bring her to justice under the law. On the other hand, Sheikh Hasina has also expressed her desire to return to the country. If that is indeed the case, then why wait until December? Sheikh Hasina, please return to the country right now."
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He further said, "You (Sheikh Hasina) have many questions to answer before the people of Bangladesh and the court. What is your statement regarding the loss of hundreds of lives during the July mass uprising? What is your explanation concerning the BDR massacre, the Shapla Chattar massacre, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, the 'Aynaghor' (secret detention center), and allegations of widespread corruption and money laundering during your tenure? Why were the people of the country deprived of their voting rights for such a long time? Why did we become a subservient state to India? History will seek answers to these questions, and the courts, too, will want to hear them.
Regarding Sheikh Hasina's family members, Dr Nazrul wrote that during the July mass uprising, you (Sheikh Hasina) sent every member of your family abroad beforehand. Yet, it is the countless ordinary leaders and activists of the Awami League who had to bear the political and legal consequences of your government's actions. Many of them still face various legal cases or live in a state of uncertainty.
"Therefore, if you have genuinely decided to return to the country, do not delay any further. Come back, face the law, and present your case in court. However, if you have no concrete plan to return, do not mislead the ordinary leaders and activists of your party or expose them to unnecessary risks by repeatedly announcing your return," Dr Nazrul said.
MSH