Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Friday said the government’s main objective is to bring back those responsible for the July killings, describing it as their vow and commitment, noting that countless students and civilians were killed during the July uprisin.
He was speaking to journalists after inaugurating an inter-college football tournament at the Magura Government Model School field.
“There is no restriction from the government regarding Tarique Rahman’s return to the country. His return is entirely his personal matter and his party’s matter,” the press secretary said.
Speaking about the “Minus Four Formula,” he said those promoting it were aligned with forces that once backed dictatorship, adding that the government never proposed such a formula. “The individual who was ‘minus-ed’ was removed due to crimes warranting the death penalty,” he said.
Shafiqul Alam said Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal had been sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal and that the government sought their extradition, adding that they retained the right to appeal and that the verdict would be carried out quickly in line with domestic and international procedures.
He said the government was committed to bringing back everyone involved in the killings to face justice in Bangladesh, calling it a duty to the martyrs and a pledge that would continue even if the current generation failed.
Regarding elections, the press secretary said: “Elections will definitely be held by 15 February. There is no force that can stop the election. A free and fair election with participation from all parties will be held.”
Earlier, Shafiqul Alam inaugurated the inter-college cricket tournament. Additional deputy commissioner (general) Abdul Kader, Magura municipality administrator Imtiaz Hossain, district sports officer BM Sajin Esrat, and sports organizer Barik Nonjam Barki were also present.
