Dhaka: Prime Minister’s Political Assistant Rashed Khan stated on Tuesday that former prime minister Sheikh Hasina would face a death sentence if she returns to Bangladesh, emphasizing the government’s intention to ensure justice through a fair trial. His comments were made during a doa and milad mahfil held in memory of July uprising martyr Golam Nafiz at the Madhubagh mass graveyard in the capital’s Dakshinkhan area.

According to United News of Bangladesh, Rashed Khan further addressed Awami League leaders, both within the country and abroad, asserting that they will not return to Bangladesh in their lifetime. He assured that Awami League members who did not engage in any wrongdoing during the July uprising would not be targeted by the BNP government.

In his remarks, Rashed Khan referenced Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, noting that the prime minister had previously suffered under the Awami League government but expressed a desire to avoid unnecessary retribution. He highlighted the public’s trust in BNP, attributing it to the party’s perceived ability to repair the nation’s state system.

Rashed Khan mentioned BNP’s decision to allow the interim government time for reforms instead of pushing for an early election. He cited Dr. Muhammad Yunus, who suggested that while small reforms could lead to quick elections, significant reforms required more time. Khan questioned the progress of these reforms after 18 months.

He also criticized former advisers Nahid Islam, Asif Mahmud, and Mahfuj Alam, pointing out controversies during their tenure. Rashed Khan concluded by urging all political forces to collaborate with BNP in steering the country forward and realizing Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s vision.