Government will seek ‘repatriation’ of fugitive Awami League leaders: press secretary

He says bringing them back is a “moral duty” as they are enjoying luxury abroad with stolen public funds

The interim government will seek the “repatriation” of fugitive Awami League leaders and former ministers as part of its goal to bring back those who fled abroad with charges of corruption, murder, and human rights violations, Chief Advsior’s press aide Shafiqul Alam has said.

Speaking at a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, he said the authorities were “serious” about exacting legal action against such individuals.

He said, “Anyone who is accused—be it for corruption or murder—we will seek their repatriation in every case. They must face the law in Bangladesh.

“It is a moral responsibility for us, as well as that of the next government, to bring them under the law.”

At the briefing, Shafiqul was asked about recent photos circulating on social media, showing fugitive ministers from Sheikh Hasina’s government attending a wedding in London and travelling abroad.

He was further asked about the caretaker administration’s efforts to bring these ministers back.

Labelling the fugitives as “corrupt”, Shafiqul said: “They have stolen money from the people of Bangladesh and are living in luxury overseas.

“It is absolutely our moral duty to bring them back. We will do this.”

The press secretary also alleged that most of the absconding Awami League leaders have "blood on their hands”.

“They stand accused of violating human rights and being involved in major corruption,” he said.

On the proposal from the Women's Reform Commission and objections from Islamist groups, Shafiqul said: “The report will go to the Consensus Commission. They will discuss it with political parties because many issues require political dialogue.

“The political parties will decide how much of the report they will accept,” he added.