Hasina issue to be raised with India after case verdict

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Wednesday said the government would again raise the issue of extradition of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina with India through foreign ministry after the verdict of the case filed against her.
When asked at a press briefing whether the government would raise this issue with India, the Press Secretary replied, "This is a person accused of killing hundreds of boys and girls. She is the 'Butcher of Bengal' sitting there and giving orders-of course, we are monitoring it closely. The government has banned all activities of the Awami League. Even within the ICT (International Crimes Tribunal) prosecution, the allegations against the Awami League are being thoroughly examined in their trial."
Reminding that Awami League's activities remain banned, he said, "If anyone violates this ban and attempts to hold gatherings, meetings, or flash processions, the full force of law will be applied. It will be applied strictly-there will be no exception to the law. This government will not spare anyone, not even an inch. Anyone motivated by her statements who joins a flash procession will be brought under the law. The law enforcement agencies have been given very clear instructions regarding this."
Shafiqul further said, "She has been making all sorts of statements in social media from the very beginning-calling the millions of young protestors 'terrorists'.
The government sought her extradition and the issue was raised in the meeting between Dr Yunus and Mr Modi.
"Her trial is now underway in court. Let the verdict come first; we will speak about her with the Indian government through foreign ministry after that."
He also said the full force of law would be applied if any leaders or activists of the banned Awami League attempt to stage processions.
Despite the ban, members of the "proscribed" Awami League and its affiliated organisations have been organising sudden flash processions in Dhaka and other parts of the country. Recently, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, a Presidium Member of the Awami League currently staying in India, announced a party programme similar to a "lockdown" to be observed on November 13.
A few days earlier, an audio recording of ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, now staying in India, spread in social media. In that audio, she was heard instructing Awami League leaders and activists not to vote in the upcoming election.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com