Md. Roni Ahmed Raju, Magura Correspondent:
Rashed Khan has labeled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina a “usurper” and questioned the likelihood of her return to Bangladesh. He remarked that if Sheikh Hasina and Awami League leaders were truly powerful, they would not have had to flee the country. He also called for the repatriation of Sheikh Hasina—currently in India—to Bangladesh, stating that it would be difficult for India to simultaneously shelter her while maintaining good relations with Bangladesh, given the expectations of the Bangladeshi people.
He made these remarks on Friday (October 9) at 11:00 AM while visiting Magura to inquire about the family of Mehedi Hasan Sabbir, a martyr of the anti-discrimination student movement; he spoke to journalists beside Sabbir’s grave.
When asked about Sheikh Rehana’s recent Facebook post and claims that Sheikh Hasina would return to the country this coming December, Rashed Khan described the Awami League as a “fugitive government.” He reiterated that if Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana were truly powerful, they would not have needed to flee. Raising the question of whether she would actually return—despite the risk of facing the death penalty—he asked, “Will the people of Bangladesh let her off the hook?”
Regarding instances where India has referred to Sheikh Hasina as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh in various statements, Rashed Khan noted that while India is Bangladesh’s closest neighbor and maintaining good relations is essential, India should not adopt a policy of “straddling two boats” by ignoring the political reality of Bangladesh.
He stated that it is unacceptable for the Indian government to shelter Sheikh Hasina while simultaneously seeking to maintain good relations with Bangladesh. He expressed hope for a government elected by the people under the leadership of Tarique Rahman and urged the Indian government to respect the sentiments of the Bangladeshi people regarding Sheikh Hasina, Obaidul Quader, and other Awami League leaders currently in India.
Rashed Khan emphasized that Sheikh Hasina must be sent back to Bangladesh; otherwise, establishing good relations with India would prove difficult. He added that the people of Bangladesh would not accept the situation otherwise. Addressing the Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, Rashed Khan alleged that the Jamaat leader had committed a crime against humanity by suggesting a general amnesty for the Awami League.
He also criticized Nasiruddin Patwary, a leader of the Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP), during his remarks.
Rashed Khan stated that Nasiruddin Patwary is not a figure of such significance as to warrant discussion; however, the manner in which he speaks about respected individuals and attempts to disparage them is unacceptable.
He asserted that Jamaat and the NCP should rein in Nasiruddin Patwary’s rhetoric; otherwise, the public would be compelled to put a stop to it.
Regarding his efforts to ensure justice for Mehedi Hasan Rabbi—a martyr of the anti-discrimination student movement—Rashed Khan mentioned that the Prime Minister had entrusted him with the responsibility of looking after the families of the martyrs. He then immediately called the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Magura, Molla Azad Hossain, to question the delays in submitting the medical report and the charge sheet for the relevant case.
In response, the SP explained that he had assumed office only six months ago. Rashed Khan then urged him to expedite the investigation-related proceedings over the next two weeks. He also discussed measures to cancel the bail of accused individuals currently out on bail and to arrest those who remain at large. Rashed Khan emphasized the need to accelerate the investigation and judicial proceedings to ensure justice for the martyr’s family.