Dhaka: Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury today said that Tarique Rahman can return to the country whenever he desires as there is no barrier on his return. "He is a citizen of Bangladesh. He can return whenever he desires," said the adviser while replying to a query on Tarique Rahman's return to the country during his visit to Salna Highway Police Station here.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the adviser reached Salna area at about 11am and distributed masks among the journalists and later inspected the highway police station. After the visit, he told the journalists, "Please, make complete report about what I say. Partial reports are often led to misinterpretation. Neighbouring countries sometimes circulate false reports for their own interests based on such incomplete information."
Addressing the public health issues, the adviser emphasized the need for public awareness regarding the use of polythene and urged people, including journalists, to avoid using it. He also stressed the importance of proper mask usage, stating, "Masks must be used properly, not just kept in pockets. We must stay alert, even though we are not currently facing serious Covid-related problems."
When questioned about the risk of Covid-19 transmission from individuals being pushed into the country, he assured that tests are being conducted for everyone and measures are in place to strengthen awareness and health screening at airports and land ports.
On the issue of push-ins by Indian authorities, despite Bangladesh's objections, the adviser noted that the matter has been addressed by the foreign affairs adviser and formal letters have been issued. "If any Bangladeshi nationals are staying in their country, of course we will take them back, but they must return through proper channels," he stated, highlighting that the Indian authorities forcibly pushed people into Bangladesh territory through jungles and remote roads, violating human rights.
The adviser mentioned that the issue has been communicated to the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh to take necessary steps. Later, he visited the Gazipur Battalion Headquarters of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) at Rajendrapur area, where he was briefed about different activities of the BGB and planted a tree. He also visited a project of the agriculture department in the area.
Among others, Additional Inspector General of Highway Police Shafiqul Islam, Gazipur Metropolitan Police (GMP) Commissioner Dr Nazmul Karim Khan, Additional Police Commissioner of GMP Taherul Haque Chawhan, Deputy Commissioner of Gazipur Nafisa Arefin, and Police Super Dr Chowdhury Md Zaber Sadek accompanied the adviser.