Prime Minister's Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman today said handing over fugitive and convicted persons, including Sheikh Hasina and Obaidul Quader, currently staying in India, is an important condition for easing relations between the two countries.

He made the government's position clear while responding to journalists' questions at a press briefing on the progress of various ministries' activities and contemporary issues. 

The briefing was organised this afternoon at the conference room of the Press Information Department (PID) at the Secretariat.

The adviser said the issue was also raised prominently during a courtesy meeting with the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh. 

"In our meeting with the High Commissioner, we clearly raised, from our side, the issue of bringing back Sheikh Hasina and all other fugitives in India,” he said, adding, “We have conveyed that the Indian government should consider this matter seriously in the interest of strengthening a working engagement with Bangladesh."

Responding to a question on whether Bangladesh is also seeking the return of Obaidul Quader and other accused persons alongside Sheikh Hasina, Zahed Ur Rahman said, "If we are seeking Sheikh Hasina, why would we not seek Obaidul Quader and others as well?” 

He added, “Our call to the Indian government is that this is a very important condition for easing relations with Bangladesh.” 

He continued, “Sheikh Hasina's brutality was not confined to July alone; her brutality continued for years, and various people were involved in these acts."

About statements made by the fugitive accused on Facebook and various other platforms, the adviser said, "They are living a life of comfort abroad. They are making various statements or giving advice on social media, which is severely hurting the sentiments of the people of Bangladesh.” 

He went on, saying “We hope the Indian government will understand this sentiment and sensitivity of the people of Bangladesh and hand them over."

Calling justice for crimes committed under Awami rule the government's top priority, he said, "The party that suffered most under Awami mafia rule is now at the helm of the state. There will be no compromise on justice. Anyone accused may appear in court, as the judiciary is now functioning with complete independence."

Responding to a question on local government elections, Dr Zahed said that while the Election Commission (EC) is independent under the constitution for holding national and presidential elections, decisions on local government elections are determined through discussions with the government.

"The government's decision on local government elections is extremely important. The EC and the government will jointly take the final decision on local government elections," he said.

He also mentioned that the upcoming local government elections will be fully participatory, with no party symbols involved.

Explaining information regarding sending 10,000 workers to Malaysia, the adviser said the matter of 10,000 workers going free of cost is accurate according to information provided by the ministry. 

He also urged a change in mindset among officials and the general public to ensure citizen services, without making the use of the word "sir" in any office mandatory.

On stopping or regulating battery-run auto-rickshaws on roads, Zahed Ur Rahman said, "The livelihood and mobility of a large number of people are linked to auto-rickshaws. 

The government does not want to stop them altogether, but a policy is being formulated swiftly to bring them under specific safety and route arrangements."

Principal Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed and Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Dr Md Alam Mostafa were present at the briefing.