Vested groups trying to exploit student protests to embarrass govt: Home minister

Home Minister and BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed said that certain vested groups are attempting to exploit the ongoing student demonstrations, road blockades and rallies for their own political interests.

Speaking to journalists at the Secretariat today (16 July), the home minister said that the government was not giving significant importance to such activities.

"We have seen small gatherings in a couple of districts and at a few locations in Dhaka. Their numbers are not large. The issue has gained attention mainly because it has been covered by the media. We are not giving it much attention," he said.

"There are certainly some groups that want to embarrass the government. They are trying to exploit various issues by concealing their identities and fishing in troubled waters. That has become evident. It has also been seen that many of those taking part in the protests are, in fact, neither students nor examination candidates," the minister alleged.

"They conceal their identities and try to fish in muddied waters whenever an opportunity arises," he added.

Referring to the students' demands, Salahuddin said they had already been conveyed to both the education minister and the government.

There are certainly some groups that want to embarrass the government. They are trying to exploit various issues by concealing their identities and fishing in troubled waters. That has become evident. It has also been seen that many of those taking part in the protests are, in fact, neither students nor examination candidates

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed

"The education ministry has made its position clear. Any student who is unable to sit an examination because of severe weather conditions will be given another opportunity to take the exam," he said.

A culture of entering the Secretariat to demand examination postponements or promotion without examinations emerged during the tenure of the interim government, but the current government would not take any decision that undermines the quality of education, he said.

The government remained committed to holding examinations in a malpractice-free environment and restoring standards in the education sector, he said.

He also blamed previous practices such as auto-promotion, awarding additional marks and widespread GPA-5 results for weakening educational standards.

Govt wants Hasina back to face justice

Regarding the extradition of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, the home minister said that the government wishes for her return so that she can face justice.

The BNP standing committee member noted that the Yunus-led interim government had written to the Indian authorities under the existing prisoner transfer agreement, requesting the return of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

"We have since followed up on that request. We want her to be returned so that she can face justice," he said.

The minister added that as Hasina has already been convicted, legal experts would determine whether she still had the option of surrendering before the court.

"However, if she returns to the country as a convicted offender, she will be arrested and the court's sentence will be enforced," he said.

Salahuddin also confirmed that the necessary documentation had been sent to facilitate the return of Bangladeshi fugitives wanted under arrest warrants who are currently detained abroad.

Regarding fugitives staying abroad, Salahuddin said legal procedures have been completed to bring back three accused from India and one from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Interpol Red Notices have been issued and the required documents were sent to the respective authorities.

He expressed hope of receiving a positive response from the UAE authorities soon.

Meanwhile, responding to a question about flags bearing the Islamic declaration of faith (Kalema), the minister said some individuals are trying to exploit religious sentiments for their own purposes.

He also claimed that there are no militant groups operating in the country.

Regarding those recognised as July martyrs, he said the official gazette of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs currently included more than 800 names. The number could increase based on DNA testing and new evidence.

Cases filed on the basis of false information or by fake complainants would be reviewed and corrected, he said adding investigations would also seek to exclude innocent individuals from charge sheets.