Major opposition BNP is sorting out ways to bring back its leader Salahuddin Ahmed to Bangladesh from India after a Shillong court acquitted him of charges of trespassing into the Indian state of Meghalaya.
"We are in contact with his family members to bring him back. We are sorting out ways on what shall be the best process and medium for his return. Speedy initiatives will be taken after the strategy is finalised," BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal told the Dhaka Tribune.
Expressing satisfaction over the verdict, lawyer AP Mohanty said the verdict proved that his client is innocent.
While talking over phone, Salauddin Ahmed told the Dhaka Tribune that "I am very happy that justice has been done. I want to return to Bangladesh as soon as possible."
On March 10, 2015, then BNP joint secretary general Salahuddin went missing from a house in Uttara.
Also Read- BNP leader Salahuddin acquitted by Shillong court
Later, on May 11, 2015, he was spotted in the Golf Link area of Shillong while aimlessly roaming in the area and on the following day was shown arrested by the local police for entering India without any valid documents.
Return of BNP leader Salahuddin, who was made a standing committee member of the party in 2016, may take some time as he reportedly do not have a passport there.
"The party always wanted to get him back, but there are some complexities. We are expecting his return soon," BNP vice chairman Selima Rahman said.
When asked on how much time it would take as the BNP leader do not have a passport there, Salahuddin said the government can do anything if it really wants. "It shall not take much time if the country wants," he said.
What will happen on Salauddin’s return
The government may also work to bring the BNP leader back as the Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on July 2015 told reporters that they will bring back Salahuddin after completion of legal procedure in the Indian court to face trial in arson and vandalism cases.
He was implicated in several cases of violence that took place during the BNP-led agitation against the government.
Salahuddin had sent political statements from unknown locations to media slamming the government and calling for BNP supporters to continue anti-government protests.
Salahuddin was a former state minister for communication during BNP led government from 2001-2006, and a lawmaker. He was an assistant private secretary to BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia during her 1991-96 tenure.
