Arrests will be made ‘based on evidence’, home advisor says after Hamid returns home

Former president Abdul Hamid’s departure from the country kicked off a flurry of “activity”, but following his return to Bangladesh, Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury says arrests will be made “on the basis of evidence”.

In response to a question from reporters after visiting Jatrabari Police Station in Dhaka on Monday, he said: "You are the ones who say that there are many cases and some are not investigated. After the investigation, whoever is found culpable will be brought to justice."

Former president Hamid left Dhaka on a Thai Airways flight late on the night of May 7. Many people questioned how he left the country despite being a suspect in a murder case filed in Kishoreganj over an incident during the Anti-discrimination Student Movement protests.

Disciplinary action was taken against four police personnel, including the Kishoreganj superintendent of police, for neglect of duty. A three-member high-level investigation committee was also formed by the Chief Advisor’s Office.

Amid heated discussions surrounding the incident, the activities of the Awami League were banned last month following the demands of several parties, including the student-led NCP. At the same time, the party's registration was suspended.

Hamid returned home on Sunday night after a month of medical treatment in Thailand.

In the morning, Jahangir was asked by journalists about Hamid.

"You [the media] are the ones who always say that innocent people should not be punished under any circumstances,” he said. “Then let us investigate. After the investigation, no matter who the perpetrator is, nobody will escape the law. We will definitely bring them to law."

"You are the ones who made the request, aren’t you? I am following what you have already said. If they are not proven to be involved, why should I do it? Why should I punish an innocent person? We will punish whoever is guilty."

Asked about the issue of taking action against police personnel due to Hamid's departure from the country, the advisor said: "A committee of three advisors has been formed, and they have given a recommendation. After receiving that recommendation, if they are found guilty, action will be taken. If they are not guilty, they will return to their respective positions.”

The home affairs advisor said that “expectations had been met” regarding the security situation during Eid-ul-Azha.

“So far, I have not received reports of any major incidents. Yes, there have been one or two accidents on the roads, I will not deny that. But no major incidents have occurred. There have been one or two minor cases of theft and vandalism. I am quite happy.”