Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Mohammad Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said that the interm government was unaware of Awami League General Secretary and former Minister for Road Transport and Bridges, Obaidul Quader’s presence in the country.
The adviser made this statement on Tuesday (17 December) during a special divisional law and order meeting held at the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner’s office.
Addressing concerns regarding Quader’s departure, the adviser stated that the International Crimes Tribunal had asked the police for an explanation regarding how Obaidul Quader had left the country.
"The government did not know he was in the country. Had we known, he would have been arrested," Jahangir Alam Chowdhury asserted.
In response to a question, the home affairs adviser remarked that police morale has improved significantly compared to earlier, though it would take some time for operations to resume at full capacity.
Referring to law enforcement personnel who have gone into hiding, he said, “Those police officers are considered criminals to us. Legal measures will be taken as soon as they are apprehended.”
He further mentioned that efforts to bring back former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and put her on trial are ongoing through cooperation with Interpol.
“Any information regarding the accused in murder cases will lead to immediate arrests,” he added.
The adviser also claimed that Sheikh Hasina had facilitated the escape of 16 Members of Parliament, all family members, from the country prior to her own departure.
Concluding his remarks, Jahangir Alam Chowdhury assured that individuals who are innocent would not face any consequences despite the pending legal cases.
