Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Tuesday said though Myanmar has been repeatedly talking about taking back Rohingyas from Bangladesh, it still did not take any visible step in this regard.
“During my visit to Myanmar, I’d meetings with a number of ministers and head of the government, and they all assured me of taking back Rohingyas. They’re repeatedly saying it, but we do not see any sign of repatriation,” he said.
The Home Minister came up with the remark at a ‘Meet-the-Press programme’ at Sagar Runi auditorium of Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU).
He, however, voiced his high hope that the Rohingya crisis will be resolved soon as the international community has been working on it. “Bangladesh government is also putting in all the necessary efforts to send the Rohingyas back to their homeland.”
About police action against the anti-quota demonstrators, Asaduzzaman said, “Police never go to universities unless the authorities concerned call them in. But what whapped in VC’s house is very shameful. We’ve been arresting the attackers identifying them through CCTV footages.”
Asked about the probe body’s reports on the allegation against Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Mizanur Rahman, he said the police officer has already been suspended, and steps have taken to ensure a flawless investigation. “Departmental or judicial action will be taken against him as per the findings of the investigation. We can equivocally say we aren’t going to spare anyone."
About the he killing of Teknaf Municipality councillor Ekramul Haque, the minister said the investigation in the incident is still going on. “We’re in touch with the family members of Ekram. Proper action will be taken if anybody is found guilty.”
As his attention was drawn to the allegation of arresting political leaders and activists before election, the minister assured that no one will be arrested in the future before election without any arrest warrant or any specific allegation.
Asked about the government’s inaction against over 200 police officials who had long been abetting drug traders, he said the government will spare no one of them. “Possibly, you (journalists) are not getting all the messages. Departmental actions, including suspension, have been taken against the officials. One or two have already been sent to jail.”
Replying to another question about BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s health condition in jail, the minister said this is not correct that she is seriously ill as jail physicians are examining her health regularly. unb.
Bd24live/Hk