Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister AZM Zahid Hossain has said the present government wants ousted autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina to return to the country and face legal proceedings.
“Someone said she would return to the country boldly. We also want that if she has the courage, she should return and face the law at the ICT. Then it will be understood what kind of courage she really has,” he told journalists after visiting construction of a sports complex for persons with special needs at West Bank Town in Savar on Wednesday.
Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain said the country witnessed on August 5, 2024 what real courage means.
“We also want to see that. The people of Bangladesh are eager to see it. If she has courage, she should come, appear before the court and face the cases. There is no force or coercion here. If the court declares her acquitted, then she will be acquitted. There will be no problem,” he said.
The minister said he personally believes that Sheikh Hasina should return to the country, surrender herself before the judiciary and show respect for the rule of law.
The minister said the present government maintains a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and no irregularity would be tolerated under any circumstances.
“We will neither engage in corruption ourselves nor allow anyone else to do so. No one can remain involved in corruption in any form,” he added.
Regarding allegations of irregularities in the ongoing project, the minister said only six percent of the work has so far been completed.
“We will investigate the matter. If anyone is found involved in corruption, nobody will be spared. Even I myself would not be able to avoid responsibility if found involved,” he said.
Senior officials of the Social Welfare Ministry and the Women and Children Affairs Ministry were present.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
