No spl surrender terms for Hasina Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday urged people to remain united to prevent any resurgence of authoritarianism, saying the democratic gains achieved through the July 2024 mass uprising must be protected.

“The freedom and democratic aspirations achieved through the 2024 mass uprising can only be protected if people from all walks of life remain united against any attempt to revive fascism,” he said.

The minister made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion titled “The Turning Point of the Mass Uprising”,

organised by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) of Dhaka University.

Calling on all pro-democracy forces to preserve the unity forged during the anti-autocracy movement, Salahuddin said the government remained committed to constitutional and institutional reforms in line with the “31-point reform agenda” and the “National July Charter” endorsed by political parties opposed to authoritarian rule.

Recalling the early days of the July movement, he said he had closely supported the protests despite being in exile at the time.

On the issue of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Salahuddin reiterated the government’s position that there would be no special arrangement for her surrender.

He said the interim government had formally sought her extradition under the existing treaty, adding that she would be arrested upon her return to Bangladesh to face trial and the execution of any court verdict.

The minister also said arrest warrants had been issued through Interpol against several former ministers, lawmakers and officials who had fled abroad. He added that former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed had already been arrested.

Addressing questions over the political future of the Awami League, Salahuddin said the government did not favour banning any political party through an executive order.

Instead, he said, the party’s future should be decided through judicial proceedings.
He noted that amendments to the International Crimes Tribunal Act and the Anti-Terrorism Act would enable the prosecution of not only individuals but also organisations, including the Awami League, where applicable.

Referring to Article 47 of the Constitution, the minister said it provided legal grounds for trying organisations accused of genocide and crimes against humanity.

Drawing a historical comparison, Salahuddin said any legal proceedings involving the Awami League should follow judicial principles similar to those applied during the post-Second World War Nuremberg trials, rather than relying on administrative measures.

He also urged political parties not to use the spirit of the July movement for partisan purposes, saying the movement belonged to the people who had resisted authoritarian rule.

The minister further announced that Ganabhaban was being transformed into the “July Memorial Museum” to preserve the memory of the uprising and serve as a reminder for future generations.

The programme was chaired by JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib and moderated by its General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir. JCD Dhaka University unit General Secretary Nahiduzzaman Shipon delivered the welcome address.

BNP Joint Secretary General Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel attended the event as the special guest, alongside other leaders of the student organisation. The programme concluded with prayers for those killed during the July mass uprising.