Hasina should face trial: Zahid

The government wants former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to return to the country and face legal proceedings, Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister A Z M Zahid Hossain said on Wednesday.

Zahid Hossain said the people of Bangladesh want to see her stand before the court and follow the legal process.

Speaking to journalists after visiting the construction site of a sports complex for persons with special needs in Savar, he said if Sheikh Hasina has the courage, she should appear before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) and face the cases against her.

He added that there would be no coercion and that if the court acquits her, she would be released accordingly.

The minister said he personally believes that Sheikh Hasina should return to the country, surrender herself before the judiciary and show respect for the rule of law.

The minister said the present government maintains a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and no irregularity would be tolerated under any circumstances.

“We will neither engage in corruption ourselves nor allow anyone else to do so. No one can remain involved in corruption in any form,” he added.

Regarding allegations of irregularities in the ongoing project, the minister said only six percent of the work has so far been completed.

“We will investigate the matter. If anyone is found involved in corruption, nobody will be spared. Even I myself would not be able to avoid responsibility if found involved,” he said.

Senior officials of the Social Welfare Ministry and the Women and Children Affairs Ministry were present.