Party leader living in India

Deposed Sheikh Hasina, all eyes in Bangladesh are on the main opposition party – the Bangladesh National Party or BNP, whose top leader – former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia – has been released from house arrest.

His son Tareue Rehman is returning to Bangladesh. Another important BNP leader expected to return is Salahuddin Ahmed, who has lived in India since 2015.

Ahmed served a year in prison for illegally entering India, but even after being released he chose to remain.

The leader, who is camped in Shillong, said Khaleda Zia will require advanced medical treatment.

“The BNP wants all charges against her to be dropped. She would need advanced treatment and would have to go abroad for that,” said Salahuddin Ahmed. Bangladesh President Khaleda Zia has already received his renewed passport.

“The people of Bangladesh strongly believe that Sheikh Hasina left after being forced. Others were not lucky enough to survive. Fortunately, I am still alive. I have been ready to return since day one,” Salahuddin said.

Salahuddin, who landed in Shillong in 2015, was tried for illegal entry. He was acquitted in 2018 and has since been free to leave.

The process, however, was postponed following an appeal by authorities against his release. On February 28, a court in Shillong upheld the 2018 acquittal order.

The BNP leader stated that Begum Khaleda Zia needs advanced medical treatment abroad, as a result of which the BNP would demand that all charges against her be dropped. The BNP will also call a neutral general election.

“What happened to Hasina was her fate as she resorted to bad governance for three consecutive terms with failed elections and there was absence of rule of law. It was complete tyranny. The situation prevailing in Bangladesh is something like mass revolution led by students.” Salahuddin said.