The Special Branch of Bangladesh Police has commented on a reported sighting of former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan in a park in Kolkata following articles on it published in the media, saying the Awami League leader must have crossed into India illegally as immigration police have no information on how he travelled there.
When asked about the issue on Wednesday, Md Shah Alam, the head of the agency, said he had seen the media reports, adding: “I can assure you that none of the individuals seen, including the former home minister, crossed immigration legally. There is no record of their departure in the immigration system.
“Since there is no record in immigration, they must have travelled illegally. They could have walked, driven or crossed the border illegally by land."
On Tuesday, a private Bangladeshi television channel's camera captured footage of several individuals, including Asaduzzaman, at Eco Park in Kolkata.
Besides him, former MP Ashim Kumar Ukil, Apu Ukil and one of Haji Salim's sons were also reportedly present.
In response to an enquiry, Lt Col Md Munim Ferdous, director of RAB’s Legal and Media Wing, said the elite police unit also had no information.
"We do not have any information on whether former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan travelled legally or illegally. There is no negligence or oversight on RAB's part in this matter. We are carrying out our responsibilities to the fullest within our mandate."
