Nahid Islam, Convener of the Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) and Chief Whip of the Opposition in the National Parliament, has said that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina—ousted during the July mass uprising—will return to the country only to face the execution of a death sentence.
He made these remarks on Friday at a discussion meeting and award-giving ceremony held at the Institute of Diploma Engineers in the capital's Kakrail area, marking International Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Day. The National SME Association organised the event.
Nahid said, "The verdict has already been delivered in Bangladesh. It is now the responsibility of this government to bring the perpetrator of the genocide back to the country through the proper diplomatic and legal channels and enforce the sentence."
In response to questions from journalists, Nahid Islam stated that the Government of Bangladesh must decide how Sheikh Hasina will return, whom she will bring with her, and whether or not she will surrender.
"The government must discuss the issue with New Delhi; there is no other party involved. It is the government that will decide when to bring her back, how to bring her back, and how to execute the court's verdict. She must be brought back only after all necessary preparations have been made," said Nahid Islam.
Stating that participants in the July revolution are prepared to face any situation, he said that those who took part in the July mass uprising are ready to handle any political scenario. "We are prepared for any situation to safeguard the country's independence, sovereignty, and economy," he said.
Warning the government, he said, "If there are any machinations or attempts to heat up the political situation centering on Sheikh Hasina or the Awami League—and if the government condones them—then it is the government itself that will suffer the greatest damage."
Regarding the trial of the Awami League for genocide, Nahid Islam said, "The government is now also considering bringing the Awami League to justice as an organization. We believe this is the right path. The verdict against Sheikh Hasina has already been delivered; now it must be implemented."
MSH
