Fugitive Hasina cannot return or get passport under Mujib’s 1973 law: Rizvi

BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today (14 November) said that as a “fugitive convicted of crimes against humanity”, ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina has no scope to return to Bangladesh or obtain a passport under the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act of 1973, enacted during the tenure of her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Rizvi made the remarks at a brief rally following a protest procession organised by Dhaka South Jubo Dal against the activities. The procession started from the National Press Club and ended at Shahbagh.

He said Hasina would have to serve all the sentences handed down against her, as well as any penalties resulting from cases currently under trial.

Referring to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the BNP leader alleged that he had also established fascist rule through the introduction of Baksal.

Speaking about Hasina’s trial, Rizvi said, “Under the 1973 law, Sheikh Hasina is a fugitive convicted of crimes against humanity. She cannot return to the country. She must serve every sentence handed down against her for crimes against humanity, the killing of people, students and workers, as well as the sentences in cases that are still pending.”

Criticising Awami League leaders, he claimed that some leaders had bought flats in Kolkata and were living with multiple wives, while others were staying in Bangkok and Singapore in luxury.

“Meanwhile, grassroots activists are being given bombs and encouraged to set off fireworks at different places in the country,” he said.

Addressing Jubo Dal and BNP activists, Rizvi said such activities would not intimidate members of the BNP and its affiliated organisations.

He said party activists had continued their political struggle despite enforced disappearances, killings and various forms of repression.

Rizvi also referred to Jubo Dal leader Robiul Islam Nayan, who was present at the event, saying he had faced severe torture and physical abuse but had not been forced to surrender.

Declaring resistance against what he described as the resurgence of fascism, the BNP leader said nationalist and democratic forces across the country would build resistance wherever necessary.

“Nationalist forces must not bow their heads. To resist the dream of fascism, nationalist and democratic forces across the country will build barricades in the streets,” he said.